British Sterling Silver Flatware Piece by D & A
Flatware - Serving Piece / Spoon or Fork · D & A (makers mark visible in hallmarks, likely a regional British silversmith or manufacturer)
Pattern: Standard traditional British utilitarian pattern, exact pattern name not visible from hallmarks alone
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece / Spoon or Fork
Maker
D & A (makers mark visible in hallmarks, likely a regional British silversmith or manufacturer)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Standard sizing for British flatware, exact measurements unavailable from hallmark detail image
Description
A close-up view of crisp, deeply struck British sterling silver hallmarks on the reverse of a flatware handle. The sequence clearly displays the maker's mark within a shaped shield, the lion passant indicating .925 sterling standard, and accompanying assay and date letter punches set into the polished silver surface.
Key Features
Crisp, legible punch-struck British hallmarks featuring the 'D & A' maker's mark and the traditional lion passant purity stamp
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Standard polished silver finish with traditional manufacturing stamp marks, no ornate decorative engraving visible in the hallmark section
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British hallmarks including a maker's mark shield for 'D & A', a lion passant for sterling silver purity, an assay office mark (likely leopard's head or anchor depending on town), and a date letter stamp
Construction Details
Die-struck and cold-worked sterling silver typical of British commercial flatware manufacturing
Functional Features
Standard flatware functionality designed for dining or serving use
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle integral to the piece with standard flatware contouring
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality professional stamping with sharp, deep punch impressions indicating strict adherence to official British assay standards
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark sequence with proper sunken punch impressions, correct stippled background within shield marks, and official standard purity symbols
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (British assay office standard)
Era & Period
Victorian or Edwardian Era, identifiable by standard British hallmark punch style
Age Estimate
Late 19th to early 20th century, determined by hallmark punch shapes and standard British statutory stamping
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rigorous British statutory control over precious metals and the proud tradition of silversmith guild accountability
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with minor surface hairline scratches and polishing wear surrounding the deeply struck hallmarks, typical of well-preserved silver flatware
Value Estimate
Modest to moderate antique market value dependent on the exact piece type (spoon, fork, or serving utensil) and total weight in grams
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with professional silver cream such as Wright's or Hagerty, and store in an anti-tarnish flannel wrap or Pacific Silvercloth pouch
Similar Pieces
Standard Victorian and Edwardian sterling flatware pieces by contemporary British makers such as Elkington & Co., Mappin & Webb, or Walker & Hall
Interesting Facts
British hallmarking laws are among the oldest consumer protection laws in the world, tracing their origins back to the 14th century and ensuring absolute reliability in precious metal purity