Georgian Sterling Silver Old English Pattern Tablespoon
Flatware - Tablespoon · Likely William Chawner II or similar early 19th-century London silversmith. Chawner was a prolific maker of high-quality spoons, part of the dynasty of specialist spoon makers.
Pattern: Old English Pattern. Introduced in the 1760s, it became the standard for British flatware due to its elegant, unadorned terminal that curves toward the plate.
Type
Flatware - Tablespoon
Maker
Likely William Chawner II or similar early 19th-century London silversmith. Chawner was a prolific maker of high-quality spoons, part of the dynasty of specialist spoon makers.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composition consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength. Solid throughout.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 20-22 cm; Estimated weight: 60-75 grams. This represents a standard 'Table' or 'Serving' size spoon rather than a dessert or teaspoon.
Description
An authentic piece of Georgian utility, this sterling silver tablespoon exemplifies the restrained elegance of the Old English pattern. The hallmarks tell a story of strict British quality control, though softened by two centuries of use and cleaning.
Key Features
Linear hallmark arrangement typical of spoon handles; Lion Passant confirming sterling standard; distinct 'bottom-marked' or lower-stem marking style.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity). Composition consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper for strength. Solid throughout.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with natural patina in recesses. The pattern is characterized by its simplicity: a plain, rounded handle end. No surface engraving is visible in the stamp area, though the terminal may bear a crest or monogram (unseen).
Hallmarks & Stamps
A series of five English hallmarks: 1. Duty Mark (Sovereign's Head, King George III or IV); 2. Lion Passant (Sterling purity); 3. Leopard's Head (London assay); 4. Date Letter (lowercase 'm' or similar, highly worn); 5. Maker's Mark (partially obscured initial block).
Construction Details
Hand-forged from a single silver ingot. Evidence of 'dropping' (the ridge where the handle joins the bowl) and hand-hammering is visible in the gradual tapering of the silver thickness.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl for serving or dining; rounded downturned handle designed to rest comfortably in the hand during traditional 18th/19th-century service style.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle, integral to the piece. Tapered 'stem' leading to a wider, rounded 'Old English' terminal. Condition shows heavy use-wear.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-wrought evidence found in the varying density of the silver and the hand-cut steel punches used for the hallmarks. The balance of the spoon is achieved through manual thinning of the handle.
Authentication Indicators
The 'rubbing' of the hallmarks is consistent with years of polishing. The depth and spacing of the punches are consistent with period hand-striking rather than modern casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Struck by the Goldsmiths' Hall (London Assay Office). Hand-crafted in a specialist spoon-making workshop.
Era & Period
Late Georgian / Regency Period (c. 1800-1830). The sovereign head duty mark and the specific shield shapes for the London hallmarks are diagnostic of this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1810-1825. The presence of the King's head duty mark (used 1784-1890) and the specific wear to the hallmarks suggests an early 19th-century date.
Cultural Significance
Represented the emerging middle-class ability to own solid silver 'plate' during the Industrial Revolution; a staple of Regency-era social etiquette and formal dining.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy surface scratching ('pitting') and significant hallmark wear ('rubbing'). The silver shows signs of regular domestic use over 200 years. No major cracks or repairs visible.
Value Estimate
$80 - $150 USD. Value depends on the clarity of the maker's mark and whether it belongs to a known prestigious maker like Paul Storr or Hester Bateman.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use a non-abrasive silver cream (like Wright's). Do not use chemical dips, as they remove the desirable 'patina' seen in the hallmark recesses.
Similar Pieces
Fiddle Pattern (has 'shoulders' at the base of the handle); King's Pattern (highly ornate shell and honeysuckle decoration); Hanoverian Pattern (handle curves upward).
Interesting Facts
The Old English pattern was the first major design to move away from the 'Pistol' or 'Marrow' style handles, reflecting the shift toward Neoclassical simplicity in British dining rooms.