British Sterling Silver Teaspoon by Mappin & Webb with Art Nouveau Motif
Flatware (Spoon, Teaspoon) · Mappin & Webb, renowned British silversmiths and retail jewellers with a history dating back to 1775, famous for high-quality tableware and holding multiple Royal Warrants.
Pattern: Unidentified British Edwardian/Art Nouveau pattern featuring an organic raised spade terminal with a stylized leaf or bud motif.
Type
Flatware (Spoon, Teaspoon)
Maker
Mappin & Webb, renowned British silversmiths and retail jewellers with a history dating back to 1775, famous for high-quality tableware and holding multiple Royal Warrants.
Material
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness).
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon dimensions, approximately 13-15 cm (5-6 inches) in length, weighing roughly 15-25 grams.
Description
An elegant British sterling silver teaspoon by the prestigious firm Mappin & Webb. The back of the terminal features a distinct raised organic design resembling a stylized leaf or botanical bud, accompanied by a crisp and clear set of London hallmarks including the lion passant, leopard head, and date letter.
Key Features
Crisp and legible London sterling silver hallmarks, distinctive organic leaf terminal decoration, and high-quality manufacture by a Royal Warrant holder.
Material & Composition
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness).
Finish & Decoration
Smooth mirror finish with a prominent, stylized raised leaf, bud, or spade-like organic terminal characteristic of the early 20th-century aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Clear British sterling silver hallmarks visible on the terminal back: maker's mark (M&W in an octagonal/shield cartouche), lion passant (sterling purity mark for Britain), leopard's head (London assay office mark), and a lowercase gothic 'b' date letter indicating a specific year of assay.
Construction Details
Die-struck with hand-finished details, typical of early 20th-century commercial British silver production.
Functional Features
Standard single-bowl teaspoon designed for stirring tea or sugar.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver flat handle expanding toward a rounded terminal with a raised organic relief decoration.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-struck blank with clean edges, well-defined assay strikes, and smooth polish reflecting professional-grade Edwardian silversmithing output.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark sequence showing proper punch shapes, deep stamping, and accurate maker initials paired with the London leopard's head and lion passant.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in London, England, by Mappin & Webb, adhering to traditional British assay standards.
Era & Period
Edwardian Period / Art Nouveau Transition (c. 1900-1910), evidenced by the gothic date letter and organic motif.
Age Estimate
Circa 1901-1902, based on the London assay office date letter style for the lowercase gothic 'b'.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the high standards of British silversmithing during the Edwardian era, capturing the transition from Victorian rigidity to the flowing organic forms of Art Nouveau.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition with minor surface micro-scratches consistent with gentle use and age. No deep dents, structural damage, or repairs observed. Tarnish is light.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $30 and $70 USD depending on individual collector demand, weight, and completeness of a set.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a soft microfiber cloth and a mild silver cream like Wright's Silver Cream. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth or bag away from humidity.
Similar Pieces
Edwardian silver teaspoons by contemporary makers like Elkington & Co. or Walker & Hall featuring similar botanical or shell terminals.
Interesting Facts
Mappin & Webb grew to become one of the most prominent silversmiths in the British Empire, supplying wares to royalty worldwide, including Queen Victoria and Tsar Nicholas II.