Victorian Atkin Brothers Sterling Silver Gadrooned Footed Bowl/Compote
Hollowware (Bowl/Compote) · Atkin Brothers (Sheffield, UK). Founded by Henry Atkin in the mid-19th century, the firm was a prolific and highly respected manufacturer of silver and silver plate, known for high-quality Victorian and Edwardian domestic hollowware.
Pattern: Classic Gadroon and Fluted Pattern. A perennial favorite in English Georgian and Victorian hollowware, featuring convex ribbing.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl/Compote)
Maker
Atkin Brothers (Sheffield, UK). Founded by Henry Atkin in the mid-19th century, the firm was a prolific and highly respected manufacturer of silver and silver plate, known for high-quality Victorian and Edwardian domestic hollowware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no evidence of weighted filling based on the clear, resonant nature of the base hallmarks.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 15-20cm (6-8 inches) based on the '6' size mark. Estimated weight between 300g and 500g depending on height.
Description
An elegant example of late 19th-century British hollowware, this Atkin Brothers bowl features a timeless gadrooned design. The high-polish interior contrasts beautifully with the rhythmic shadows cast by the deep fluting on the exterior, making it a sophisticated centerpiece for any formal table setting.
Key Features
The distinctive 'HA' maker's mark and the '2522' pattern number are primary identifiers. The crispness of the fluting indicates a high-quality die used during production.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid construction with no evidence of weighted filling based on the clear, resonant nature of the base hallmarks.
Finish & Decoration
Late Victorian style featuring deep vertical fluting (gadrooning) around the body. The surface is polished silver with intentional oxidation in the crevices of the fluting to enhance the relief. Features a scalloped or gadrooned rim.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full British Hallmarks for Sheffield: 'HA' (Henry Atkin / Atkin Brothers maker's mark), Lion Passant (Sterling Silver), Crown (Sheffield Assay Office), and a Date Letter. Below these are the pattern/model numbers '2522' and '4' with a size indicator '6'.
Construction Details
Likely raised or spun body with die-struck fluting. The foot is joined to the body with a silver solder seam. Hand-finished polishing.
Functional Features
Open vessel design intended for serving fruit, nuts, or sweets; featuring a stable pedestal base and a reinforced rim.
Handle & Grip Details
None (Footed bowl form).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The symmetry of the fluting and the depth of the hallmarks indicate a firm with sophisticated tooling and quality control.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmarks are sharply struck and consistent with authorized Sheffield assay marks. The sticker from 'Ambrosanio Nello Antichità' in Rome suggests a provenance through a reputable Italian antique dealer.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Manufacturing center of the British silver trade known for high-grade industrial-era silversmithing and rigorous assay standards.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (Late 19th Century). The style is a Victorian revival of Georgian neoclassical motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1900. Dating based on the Atkin Brothers 'HA' mark and the typical engraving style of the numbering.
Cultural Significance
Represents the prosperity of the British middle class during the Victorian era, where silver tea and dining services were essential status symbols and family heirlooms.
Condition Notes
Very Good. There is some surface scratching (swirl marks) consistent with age and cleaning. Some minor tarnish is visible in the stampings. No visible cracks or major dents from the base view.
Value Estimate
$350 - $650 USD depending on the final weight in troy ounces and the specific date letter (not fully legible in photo).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's for tarnish. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the desirable patina from the fluting.
Similar Pieces
Mappin & Webb or Walker & Hall fluted bowls. These competitors produced very similar patterns; the key difference lies in the specific 'HA' maker's mark and the font of the pattern numbers.
Interesting Facts
Atkin Brothers was a successor to the firm of Thomas Law, which dated back to the 1750s. They were one of the few firms allowed to manufacture for the high-end retail shop 'Tiffany & Co.' during the late 19th century.