Dixon & Smith Fiddle Pattern Silver Plate Tablespoon
Flatware (Spoon) · Dixon & Smith, a Sheffield-based firm founded by James Dixon in 1806; this specific mark was used during his partnership with Thomas Smith. They were prestigious early innovators in plated metalware and Britannia metal.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern (the most ubiquitous and popular flatware pattern of the 19th century, characterized by a handle shaped like a violin/fiddle).
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Dixon & Smith, a Sheffield-based firm founded by James Dixon in 1806; this specific mark was used during his partnership with Thomas Smith. They were prestigious early innovators in plated metalware and Britannia metal.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Old Sheffield Plate. The base is likely a copper or nickel alloy with a thin layer of silver applied via electrochemical or fused processes.
Dimensions
Approximately 20-22 cm (8-9 inches) in length; weight approximately 60-75 grams depending on the thickness of the base metal.
Description
A mid-Victorian Fiddle pattern spoon by the renowned Sheffield firm Dixon & Smith. This piece represents the democratization of luxury in the 19th century, offering the appearance of solid silver through innovative layering techniques.
Key Features
The 'Trumpet and Banner' trademark and the 'pseudo-hallmarks' intended to give the consumer a sense of high-status sterling silver for a plated price.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) or Old Sheffield Plate. The base is likely a copper or nickel alloy with a thin layer of silver applied via electrochemical or fused processes.
Finish & Decoration
Satin to matte due to heavy tarnish/oxidization; originally a mirror-polished silver surface. The design is utilitarian with the characteristic 'shoulders' of the Fiddle pattern near the bowl.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A sequence of pseudo-hallmarks (Gothic D, S, and symbols) designed to mimic official British silver hallmarks. Included is the 'Trumpet with Banner' mark, the registered trademark of James Dixon & Sons.
Construction Details
Likely die-struck or drop-forged. The piece shows the sharp, clean edges of industrial mechanical production rather than hand-hammered artisan work.
Functional Features
Standard deep oval bowl for spooning soups or serving; flared handle and shoulders provide a secure grip and prevent the spoon from sliding into deep vessels.
Handle & Grip Details
Fiddle-shaped flat handle, solid construction (not hollow). The wider terminal provides ergonomic balance during use.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-forged with high-quality die work. The uniformity of the marks indicates a sophisticated industrial manufacturing process typical of the Dixon workshop.
Authentication Indicators
The maker's mark (Trumpet with Banner) is the primary identifier. The lack of a Lion Passant or leopard head confirms this is silver plate, not sterling silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Known as the global hub for cutlery and silver-plating innovation during the Industrial Revolution.
Era & Period
Victorian (1837-1901). The Fiddle pattern and the specific maker's mark configuration are quintessential examples of mid-19th century industrial metalware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1835-1850. The 'D&S' mark specifically dates to the partnership era before the firm became 'James Dixon & Sons'.
Cultural Significance
The Fiddle pattern became the standard for middle-class Victorian households, signaling the transition from artisan-made silver to mass-produced, high-quality industrial design.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The surface is heavily oxidized with significant buildup of silver sulfide (black tarnish). There are deep surface scratches and potential 'bleeding' where the base metal may be showing through the silver layer.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. Plated spoons in this condition have low market value compared to sterling pieces, though they hold historical interest as examples of early Sheffield industrial marks.
Care & Maintenance
Mild silver polish (Wright's Silver Cream) should be used carefully to avoid 'over-polishing' and wearing through the thin silver layer to the base metal. Store in a tarnish-resistant chest.
Similar Pieces
Gorham (US) Fiddle patterns or Elkington & Co. (UK) electroplate. Elkington pieces often carry higher value due to their patent on the electroplating process.
Interesting Facts
James Dixon & Sons supplied the trophies for the first Wimbledon tennis championships and produced the silver plates for many prestigious shipping lines.