Francis Howard Sterling Silver Filled Silver Coaster/Candlestick Base with Beaded Rim
Hollowware (Wine Coaster or Candlestick Base) · Francis Howard Ltd. (established 1870 in Sheffield, England). Known for high-quality domestic silver and heritage giftware, still operating as a family business.
Pattern: Classic Beaded Edge, a perennial favorite in British silver production often associated with the neoclassical Georg Jensen or Tiffany Cordis styles.
Type
Hollowware (Wine Coaster or Candlestick Base)
Maker
Francis Howard Ltd. (established 1870 in Sheffield, England). Known for high-quality domestic silver and heritage giftware, still operating as a family business.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) outer skin over a non-metallic core (resin, cement, or plaster), as indicated by the 'FILLED' stamp.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 8-12 cm. Weight will be heavy due to the filler, but actual silver content is likely only 10-25 grams of the total weight.
Description
A refined and classic example of British hollowware, this piece features a brilliant mirror finish punctuated by a crisp beaded border. While having the substantial presence of a heavyweight silver casting, it utilizes modern 'filled' technology to offer the esteemed aesthetic of sterling silver with practical weight and affordability. It represents the enduring legacy of Francis Howard’s Sheffield craftsmanship.
Key Features
The explicit 'FILLED' stamp is the primary diagnostic feature, distinguishing it from 'Weighted' American silver. The crisp Birmingham hallmarks ensure technical authenticity.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) outer skin over a non-metallic core (resin, cement, or plaster), as indicated by the 'FILLED' stamp.
Finish & Decoration
Mirror-polished finish with a machine-applied beaded (perlé) border around the upper rim. No secondary engraving or monograms visible.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with 'FILLED' to denote a weighted core; FH (Maker's mark for Francis Howard); 925 (Convention fineness mark); Anchor (Birmingham Assay Office); and a date letter (likely 'r' for 1991 or 'p' for 2014 based on modern font styles).
Construction Details
Spun silver sheet formed over a pre-molded non-silver core. The 'filled' method is common for heavy desk or table items to provide stability without the extreme cost of solid heavy-gauge silver.
Functional Features
Weighted base for stability; green baize/felt bottom (visible at the lower edge) to prevent scratching of furniture surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
None. The item is a static base or receptacle designed for tabletop use.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent precision in the machine-stamped beading and expert spinning of the silver sheet to ensure no visible seams or ripples over the interior filler.
Authentication Indicators
The hallmark sequence (Maker, Fineness, Assay, Date) is perfectly aligned with modern UK Hallmarking Act standards. The 'FH' mark is the registered mark for Francis Howard Ltd.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England (Assay Office indicated by the Anchor mark). Manufactured in the traditional Sheffield/Birmingham silver-working hub.
Era & Period
Modern Period (Late 20th to Early 21st Century). Stylistically Neoclassical revival, staying true to traditional 18th-century beaded motifs.
Age Estimate
Circa 1990-2015 based on the style of the Birmingham date letter and the modern serif-style 'FILLED' stamp.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the British tradition of 'high tea' and formal dining where silver table appointments served as markers of etiquette and household status.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition. Minimal surface tarnish; beading is sharp and well-defined. The green felt base appears intact without significant balding or adhesive failure.
Value Estimate
$60 - $120 USD. Value is driven by utility and decorative appeal rather than intrinsic silver scrap weight, as the silver skin is very thin.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild silver foam (like Wright's). Avoid submerging in water as it can seep into the 'filled' core and cause internal corrosion or swelling.
Similar Pieces
Similar styles are produced by Carrs of Sheffield or Broadway Silversmiths. The key difference is often in the weight of the silver shell and the clarity of the beaded embossing.
Interesting Facts
Francis Howard Ltd is one of the few remaining family-run Sheffield silver firms that survived the industry consolidations of the mid-20th century, currently led by the 4th and 5th generations.