British Sterling Silver Teaspoon with Floral Repoussé and Engraved Details
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon) · British Silversmith (Maker's mark partially visible as initials, likely late 19th-century UK manufacturer)
Pattern: Victorian floral and foliate scroll pattern
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Teaspoon)
Maker
British Silversmith (Maker's mark partially visible as initials, likely late 19th-century UK manufacturer)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Standard Victorian teaspoon dimensions, approximately 13 to 15 cm in length, with an estimated weight between 15 and 25 grams
Description
An exquisite late-Victorian sterling silver teaspoon featuring intricate floral and foliate repoussé work along the handle terminal. The stem tapers gracefully toward the bowl, displaying clear British hallmarks punched neatly into the silver surface. The craftsmanship reflects the ornate aesthetic popular during the late 19th century, making it both a functional piece of tableware and a charming collectible.
Key Features
Crisp punch-stamped British hallmarks, detailed floral repoussé terminal, elegant tapering stem shape, and classic sterling silver composition
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with repoussé and chased floral motifs, complemented by fine bright-cut engraving in a traditional Victorian style
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible British hallmarks including a duty mark or monarch head, a lion passant indicating sterling silver purity (.925), an assay office mark, and a date letter stamp
Construction Details
Die-struck stem with hand-finished chasing and repoussé detailing on the terminal, typical of late 19th-century industrial and artisan collaboration
Functional Features
Standard single-bowl teaspoon designed for stirring tea and sugar, featuring an ergonomically tapered fiddle or flat handle shape
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver flat tapered handle featuring decorative floral repoussé on the terminal and smooth grip area towards the center
Craftsmanship Details
Combination of machine stamping for the blank and hand-chased detailing for the floral motifs, demonstrating high-quality Victorian commercial silver production standards
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark punch impressions showing proper depth, standard lion passant for sterling, and appropriate natural tarnish accumulation in recessed details
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (Assay office indicated by hallmarks such as London, Birmingham, or Sheffield)
Era & Period
Late Victorian Era (circa 1870-1901), characterized by ornate floral revivals and heavy use of repoussé techniques
Age Estimate
Late 19th century, circa 1880-1900, deduced from the style of the hallmarks and the decorative repoussé work
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of Victorian domestic gentility and the widespread industrialization of British silversmithing combined with traditional hand-finishing
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition. Shows minor surface hairline scratches and normal polishing wear consistent with age and gentle use, with clear, legible hallmarks and no structural repairs
Value Estimate
Estimated market value between 25 and 60 USD depending on the exact maker, weight, and whether it is part of a matching set
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash in warm soapy water using a mild dish detergent, dry immediately with a soft microfiber cloth, and polish periodically with a trusted silver cream like Wright's to preserve detail
Similar Pieces
Late 19th-century British teaspoons by makers like Elkington & Co., Mappin & Webb, or various regional silversmiths operating in Birmingham and Sheffield
Interesting Facts
Victorian teaspoons of this type were frequently sold as part of larger cased afternoon tea sets, reflecting the era's elaborate social rituals around tea drinking