Samuel Levy Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Teaspoon, Exeter 1840
Flatware - Teaspoon · Samuel Levy, a prominent provincial silversmith active in Exeter. Levy's work is notable for its robust construction, representing the high standard of South West England's silversmithing tradition during the mid-19th century.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern, a ubiquitous 19th-century design characterized by its namesake violin-shaped handle. Introduced in the late 18th century, it remained the standard for middle-class English flatware throughout the Victorian era.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Samuel Levy, a prominent provincial silversmith active in Exeter. Levy's work is notable for its robust construction, representing the high standard of South West England's silversmithing tradition during the mid-19th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout; no weighted elements or mixed materials are present in this specific spoon form.
Dimensions
Length is approximately 13-14 cm (5.5 inches). Estimated weight is between 18 and 24 grams, consistent with standard Victorian teaspoon gauges.
Description
An excellent example of provincial British silver, this teaspoon by Samuel Levy showcases the utilitarian beauty of early Victorian design. The hallmarks are exceptionally well-preserved on the reverse of the stem, featuring the rare Exeter castle mark. Its clean lines and substantial weight make it a tactile piece of history.
Key Features
Exeter provincial hallmarks (highly collectible), early Victorian date (1840), Maker's mark for Samuel Levy, and the classic Fiddle pattern form with high-relief stamps.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Solid composition throughout; no weighted elements or mixed materials are present in this specific spoon form.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with subtle surface patination from age. The decoration consists of a classic Fiddle Pattern shoulder and a shell-like terminal or monogram area, though much of the visible interest lies in the crisp hallmark striking.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A comprehensive set of Exeter provincial hallmarks: 1. 'SL' (Maker's mark for Samuel Levy); 2. Lion Passant (British Sterling standard); 3. Castle (Assay office mark for Exeter); 4. Queen Victoria's head (Duty mark); 5. Date letter 'd' in a clipped shield (indicating 1840).
Construction Details
Hand-forged and die-struck. The spoon was likely hammered from a single ingot of silver to create the bowl and handle, with the pattern and hallmarks applied toward the end of the manufacturing process.
Functional Features
Features a deep, oval bowl designed for stirring tea and measuring small quantities. The fiddle-shaped handle provides an ergonomic grip and adds structural rigidity to the stem.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle with characteristic 'shoulders' near the bowl and a flared, flat terminal. The fiddle shape allows for comfortable balance in the hand.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality hand-finishing is evident in the crispness of the hallmark strikes. The balance between the bowl and handle indicates a master-level understanding of silver distribution during forging.
Authentication Indicators
The sequence of five marks is consistent with English statutory requirements of 1840. The Exeter castle mark is distinct and matches recorded punches for the period. Wear patterns on the bowl tip are consistent with hand-churning.
Origin & Manufacturing
Exeter, Devon, England. Exeter was one of the major provincial assay offices until its closure in 1883, known for producing heavy-gauge, durable silver plate and flatware.
Era & Period
Early Victorian (1837-1901). The presence of the Queen Victoria duty mark and the Fiddle pattern's peak popularity firmly place this in the first few years of the Victorian era.
Age Estimate
Dated specifically to 1840 based on the Exeter 'd' date letter and the youthful duty mark profile of Queen Victoria.
Cultural Significance
Represents the growth of the English middle class and the 'tea culture' of the 19th century. Owning a set of sterling silver Fiddle pattern spoons was a hallmark of respectability in a Victorian household.
Condition Notes
Very Good. There is evidence of light surface scratches ('button scratches') and minor wear to the bowl tip consistent with 180+ years of careful use. Hallmarks are crisp and deep with no significant 'ghosting' from over-polishing.
Value Estimate
$45 - $85 USD. Value is driven more by the 'Exeter' provincial hallmark and the maker than the silver weight itself.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid machine washing, as heat and harsh detergents can damage the metal crystalline structure. Store in a tarnish-resistant flannel roll.
Similar Pieces
London-made Fiddle pattern spoons (easier to find, usually marked with a leopard's head), and Scottish provincial spoons (different assay marks like the Perth 'Lamb' or Aberdeen 'Three Castles').
Interesting Facts
The Exeter Assay Office closed in 1883, making pieces with the 'Castle' mark more scarce and sought-after than those from London. Samuel Levy was one of the few Jewish silversmiths operating in Exeter during this period.