Silver Plate Fiddle Pattern Table Spoon by Daniel & Arter
Flatware (Spoon) · Daniel & Arter (Thomas Henry Daniel and James Arter) of Birmingham, England. Founded in the mid-19th century Globe Nevil Works, they were known for high-quality silver plate and nickel silver.
Pattern: Common Fiddle Pattern, characterized by the wide shoulders at the top of the handle that resemble the body of a violin.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Daniel & Arter (Thomas Henry Daniel and James Arter) of Birmingham, England. Founded in the mid-19th century Globe Nevil Works, they were known for high-quality silver plate and nickel silver.
Material
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy; the 'B2' and 'GS' style marks indicate high-quality base metals used for plating.
Dimensions
Approximately 20-22 cm (8-8.5 inches) in length; Estimated weight 60-80 grams. It appears to be at least a table or serving spoon size.
Description
A quintessential example of British Victorian utility flatware, this Daniel & Arter spoon utilizes the Fiddle pattern to convey a sense of modest elegance. Often found in large domestic sets, these pieces were the 'workhorses' of the middle-class Victorian dining room.
Key Features
The 'pseudo-hallmark' sequence containing a Crown and a '2' is a diagnostic signature of Daniel & Arter silver plate, often confused by novices for sterling silver.
Material & Composition
Silver Plate (EPNS - Electroplated Nickel Silver). The base metal is a non-precious copper-nickel-zinc alloy; the 'B2' and 'GS' style marks indicate high-quality base metals used for plating.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-aged finish with heavy oxidation and tarnish. Decoration is minimal, adhering to the austere Georgian and early Victorian 'Old English Fiddle' aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
A series of 'pseudo-hallmarks' typical of plated items: 'D&A' (maker's mark), 'B' (designating base metal quality), '2' (plate thickness or grade), a 'Crown' symbol (specifically used by Daniel & Arter on plated goods), and 'GS' or 'EP' designation. Notably lacks the lion passant.
Construction Details
Die-struck or machine-stamped from a flat sheet of nickel silver, then electroplated using the Elkington process. The edges are finished with a bevel to mimic hand-forged silver.
Functional Features
Rounded bowl for liquid consumption; the fiddle shoulders provide a wider grip surface for the thumb and forefinger.
Handle & Grip Details
Fiddle-shaped handle, solid construct, integrated with the neck and bowl. Smooth, unadorned surfaces intended for daily utility.
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial quality; well-proportioned and durable but lacks the refined hand-finishing of sterling silversmiths like Chawner or Bateman.
Authentication Indicators
Lack of a Lion Passant (British Sterling) or a Hallmarking Year Letter confirms this is silver plate. The 'D&A' mark identifies the factory precisely.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Produced in a large-scale industrial factory setting typical of the Birmingham silver trade.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880-1910). While the Fiddle pattern originated in the early 19th century, Daniel & Arter's specific marking system peaked during this era.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895. The style of the 'D&A' mark and the crown symbol are consistent with late 19th-century output.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury during the Industrial Revolution, allowing the emerging middle class to own 'silver' table services previously reserved for the aristocracy.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair. The piece shows significant 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver), heavy tarnish, and surface pitting. The plating has worn away due to decades of use and harsh polishing.
Value Estimate
$5 - $15 USD. Plated individual spoons with significant wear have low market value but high historical interest as study pieces.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive polishes, as the silver layer is already extremely thin (bleeding). Store in a dry place to prevent further oxidation of the nickel base.
Similar Pieces
Walker & Hall Fiddle Pattern, Elkington EPNS spoons. These differ primarily in the specific maker's marks and the minor variations in 'shoulder' width on the handle.
Interesting Facts
Daniel & Arter were famous for developing 'Nevada Silver' and 'Lutonia Metal,' proprietary alloys that looked like silver but contained no silver at all.