William Mammatt & Sons Fiddle Pattern Silver Plate Spoon
Flatware (Spoon) · William Mammatt & Sons (WM & S), Sheffield, England. Founded in the mid-19th century (c. 1870), they were known for high-quality Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) flatware and hollowware.
Pattern: Standard Fiddle Pattern; a classic 19th-century design characterized by a handle shaped like a violin (fiddle) with distinct shoulders near the bowl.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
William Mammatt & Sons (WM & S), Sheffield, England. Founded in the mid-19th century (c. 1870), they were known for high-quality Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS) flatware and hollowware.
Material
Silver Plate over Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. Note the yellowish/brass color bleeding through, indicating heavy wear.
Dimensions
Estimated length 17-21 cm (standard dessert or table spoon size). Weight approximately 45-65 grams depending on precise scale.
Description
A classic example of late 19th-century British utilitarian flatware. This William Mammatt & Sons spoon in the Fiddle pattern represents the democratization of silver, where the middle class could afford the look of solid silver through electroplating technology. The piece features the maker's signature pseudo-hallmarks and shows significant historical wear.
Key Features
Distinctive 'WM & S' maker's mark, Fiddle pattern shoulders, and 'EP' stamp indicating it is not solid sterling silver.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate over Nickel Silver (EPNS). The base is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy, electroplated with a thin layer of fine silver. Note the yellowish/brass color bleeding through, indicating heavy wear.
Finish & Decoration
Plain polished finish with a vermeil-like golden hue (likely due to aged tarnish or thin gold wash). Features the characteristic 'shoulders' of the Fiddle pattern. No ornate engraving is visible on this side.
Hallmarks & Stamps
[WM & S] for William Mammatt & Sons; [&] ampersand; [S] for Sheffield; [Crown/Logo symbol]; [EP] for Electro-Plate. These are 'pseudo-hallmarks' designed to mimic the sequence of official British Sterling marks.
Construction Details
Die-struck from a flat sheet of nickel silver, joined with mechanical pressure, then electroplated. This is a mass-produced industrial item rather than a hand-forged piece.
Functional Features
Standard deep bowl for liquid or semi-solid consumption. The fiddle shape provides a wider surface area for a secure grip during use.
Handle & Grip Details
Flat, flared Fiddle-style handle. The terminal is rounded. The metal shows heavy abrasions and loss of plating at the high points.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial production quality. The stamping of the mark is clear, but the piece lacks the refined hand-finishing or heavy 'gauge' found in high-end sterling pieces of the same era.
Authentication Indicators
The 'EP' mark is the primary indicator of silver plate. The marks are stamped rather than cast, and the wear pattern is consistent with a plated item where the softer silver layer rubs off over a century of use.
Origin & Manufacturing
Sheffield, England. Sheffield was the global hub for the development and production of silver plating and cutlery.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880-1910). The Fiddle pattern was the most dominant flatware style in Britain during the 19th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1910 based on the maker's mark style and the 'EP' designation.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Industrial Revolution's impact on dining; silver plating allowed households that couldn't afford sterling to maintain a 'proper' Victorian table setting.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The silver plating has significantly worn away (known as 'bleeding'), revealing the yellowish base metal beneath. Extensive surface scratching and pit marks are visible.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. Value is low due to the loss of plating and the 'EP' (non-sterling) status. It holds more sentimental or historical value than bullion value.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle hand washing only. Avoid harsh chemical dips which can further strip the remaining thin silver layer. Use a soft cloth and non-abrasive silver cream to brighten what silver remains.
Similar Pieces
Gorham (US) Fiddle patterns or Carrs of Sheffield (UK) modern reproductions. Differing mostly in the metal purity (Sterling vs Plate) and the crispness of the hallmark stamps.
Interesting Facts
William Mammatt & Sons were prominent enough to exhibit at major trade fairs and were registered at the Sheffield Assay Office, though this specific piece is their more affordable plated line.