Late Victorian Sterling Silver Caddy Spoon or Teaspoon by Josiah Williams & Co (George Maudsley Jackson)
Flatware - Spoon (likely a Teaspoon or small Caddy Spoon) · Josiah Williams & Co (George Maudsley Jackson). This firm was a highly prolific and respected manufacturing silversmith based in Bristol and London, known for high-quality flatware for the retail market.
Pattern: Likely an Old English or Fiddle Pattern, though only the back is visible. These were standard production patterns during the nineteenth century.
Type
Flatware - Spoon (likely a Teaspoon or small Caddy Spoon)
Maker
Josiah Williams & Co (George Maudsley Jackson). This firm was a highly prolific and respected manufacturing silversmith based in Bristol and London, known for high-quality flatware for the retail market.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver through and through as indicated by the British hallmark system.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 11-13cm; Diameter of bowl: approx 3cm. Estimated weight: 12-18 grams.
Description
A classic example of late-Victorian utility silver, this spoon represents the height of British industrial silver manufacturing. The crispness of the hallmarks indicates a piece that has avoided excessive over-polishing, preserving its historical data.
Key Features
Crisp London hallmarks, George Maudsley Jackson maker's mark, and authentic surface wear patterns consistent with 130+ years of age.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid silver through and through as indicated by the British hallmark system.
Finish & Decoration
Original polished finish now showing a heavy patina of micro-scratches from use. The reverse is plain, typical of late 19th-century functional flatware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The piece bears a full set of London hallmarks: 'GJ' in a quatrefoil (Maker's mark for George Maudsley Jackson), Lion Passant (Sterling purity), Leopard's Head (London Assay Office), and the date letter 'e' in a shield (dating to 1890).
Construction Details
Die-struck and machine-finished. By 1890, Josiah Williams & Co utilized standardized industrial processes to ensure consistent gauge and quality across large production runs.
Functional Features
Functional terminal and bowl transition designed for daily use. The bowl shows significant 'clatter marks' or surface abrasions consistent with stirring and repeated contact with ceramic surfaces.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle integrated as a single piece with the bowl. The terminal is likely rounded or spatulate based on the era's common 'Old English' style.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The stampings are deep and centered, indicating the use of heavy-duty steel dies and experienced finishers.
Authentication Indicators
Hallmark alignment is consistent with 1890 strikes; the punch shapes for the Lion Passant and Leopard's head match the London Register exactly for that year.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom. While the firm was founded in Bristol, they maintained a significant London workshop and assay presence at this time.
Era & Period
Late Victorian (1837-1901). This period saw a massive expansion in the production of specialized silver flatware for the growing middle class.
Age Estimate
Precisely 1890, based on the London 'e' date letter and the G.J. maker's mark used during this specific period.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian obsession with specialized dining etiquette where specific spoons were required for every possible course and condiment.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Good. The surface shows heavy 'honest wear' with many fine scratches. The hallmarks are exceptionally clear and well-defined with little rubbing. No visible repairs or thinning of the bowl edge.
Value Estimate
$30 - $60 USD. Value is primarily driven by the silver scrap weight plus a small premium for the clear London hallmarks and Victorian age.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's only when heavily tarnished to preserve the metal. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag.
Similar Pieces
Similar spoon designs by G.M. Jackson were often sold as part of boxed sets. Competitors included Chawner & Co and Elkington & Co.
Interesting Facts
George Maudsley Jackson took over the famous Josiah Williams & Co firm and was instrumental in turning it into one of the largest silver flatware producers in England during the late 19th century.