Victorian Scottish Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Dessert Fork by William Coghill
Flatware (Dessert Fork) · William Coghill of Glasgow, Scotland. Coghill was a prominent silversmith active in the mid-to-late 19th century, known for high-quality domestic flatware and hollowware.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern with an engraved shield-motif. This is a Scottish variant of the classic Fiddle pattern, featuring a scalloped shield or cartouche on the shoulder.
Type
Flatware (Dessert Fork)
Maker
William Coghill of Glasgow, Scotland. Coghill was a prominent silversmith active in the mid-to-late 19th century, known for high-quality domestic flatware and hollowware.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout.
Dimensions
Estimated length of 6.75 to 7.25 inches (17-18 cm). Approximate weight is 45-55 grams (roughly 1.5 to 1.8 troy ounces).
Description
An elegant example of 19th-century Scottish silversmithing, this dessert fork showcases the clean lines of the Fiddle pattern. It is distinguished by a charming engraved shield on the front, left vacant for a monogram. The tines are well-preserved and sharp, showing the enduring quality of Glasgow silver.
Key Features
Scottish Lion Rampant hallmark, unique scalloped shoulder transition, and the specific William Coghill maker's mark.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). The piece is solid silver throughout.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish with bright-cut engraving. The shoulders feature a distinct scalloped shield border. The handle displays a classic Fiddle shape with a refined mid-rib.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stem bears a full set of Glasgow hallmarks: 'WC' (William Coghill), the Glasgow city mark (Tree, Fish, Bell, and Bird), the Lion Rampant (Scottish sterling mark), and a Victorian date letter 'q' (likely 1887-88).
Construction Details
Die-struck and hand-finished. The tines show evidence of hand-filing, and the hallmarks are deep-set, indicating a solid-struck piece of silver rather than a cast replica.
Functional Features
Four-tine design with an wide shoulder, intended for consuming desserts, cakes, or fruit during a multi-course Victorian meal.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle in the Fiddle style. The handle curves elegantly to fit the palm, with no separate inserts or weighted materials.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-striking with high-quality edge finishing. The crispness of the scalloped engraving suggests a skilled hand-finisher.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the Glasgow city mark with the Lion Rampant; the specific serif-style of the WC mark matches recorded census marks for William Coghill.
Origin & Manufacturing
Glasgow, Scotland. Produced in a traditional Scottish workshop following the strict purity standards overseen by the Glasgow Assay Office.
Era & Period
High Victorian (c. 1880s). The design reflects the mid-late Victorian preference for standardized, durable, yet elegantly engraved flatware.
Age Estimate
Circa 1887. The dating is based on the specific serif style of the 'q' date letter and the tenure of William Coghill.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rise of the specialized dining culture in Victorian Britain, where distinct utensils were required for every course of a meal.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface scratches consistent with age and use. Tines are straight and show minimal 'tipping' wear. Hallmarks are slightly rubbed but legible.
Value Estimate
$60 - $110 USD. Value is driven by the Scottish origin and the desirability of the Glasgow hallmark over standard London marks.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft cotton cloth. Store in a Pacific Silvercloth bag to prevent oxidation.
Similar Pieces
English Fiddle pattern forks by Chawner & Co; these would typically feature the London Leopard's head rather than the Glasgow Tree/Fish mark.
Interesting Facts
Glasgow had its own assay office until 1964; pieces bearing the Glasgow Tree and Fish mark are highly collectible and often rarer than English counterparts.