British Sterling Silver Teaspoon with London Hallmarks
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon) · British Silversmith (Maker's mark partially obscured in image)
Pattern: Standard Georgian/Victorian British Domestic Flatware Pattern
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon)
Maker
British Silversmith (Maker's mark partially obscured in image)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon size, approximately 12-15 cm in length, weighing roughly 15-25 grams
Description
A classic British sterling silver teaspoon featuring clear assay office punches on the reverse of the stem. The piece displays the characteristic hallmarks of the London assay office, including the lion passant denoting sterling purity and the leopard's head, presenting an authentic example of historic British silversmithing.
Key Features
Clear, authentic British standard hallmarks including the lion passant and London assay office leopard's head stamps
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Finish & Decoration
Traditional mirror-polished silver finish with simple or plain form, typical of utilitarian and formal British flatware
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible British hallmark sequence including the Lion Passant (.925 sterling standard), leopard's head (London assay office), and a date letter stamp
Construction Details
Die-struck or hand-forged bowl and handle, standard 18th/19th-century British flatware construction
Functional Features
Standard single-bowl spoon intended for stirring tea and sugar service
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle, integral to the bowl or securely joined, tapering smoothly for ergonomics
Craftsmanship Details
Traditional British silversmithing with crisp, individually struck punch marks and well-balanced proportions
Authentication Indicators
Genuine struck British hallmarks with correct punch shapes, depth, and standard iconographical sequences for silver fineness and origin
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England, manufactured following rigorous British assay office standards
Era & Period
Likely Georgian or Victorian Period based on standard British punch configurations
Age Estimate
Circa 1780-1850, determined by the style of the punch marks and standard British assay stamps
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rich history of British tea culture and the strict regulatory traditions enforced by the British Assay Offices
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with minor surface scratches and expected wear consistent with age and use; clear, readable hallmarks
Value Estimate
Estimated market value between $40 to $100 USD depending on the exact date letter, maker's identity, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; use dedicated silver cream only when necessary to preserve antique patina and hallmark clarity
Similar Pieces
Other 18th- and 19th-century British provincial and metropolitan spoons bearing traditional duty and assay marks
Interesting Facts
British hallmarking laws are among the oldest consumer protection laws in the world, dating back to the 14th century to guarantee precious metal purity