John Price Sterling Silver Fiddle Pattern Serving Spoon
Flatware - Serving Spoon · John Price, an established British silversmith working in London during the early 19th century.
Pattern: Traditional Fiddle Pattern, a ubiquitous and enduringly popular British flatware design introduced in the late 18th century and widely produced throughout the 19th century.
Type
Flatware - Serving Spoon
Maker
John Price, an established British silversmith working in London during the early 19th century.
Material
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), composed of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper for durability.
Dimensions
Standard serving spoon size, approximately 21 to 22 cm in length with a weight ranging between 50 and 70 grams.
Description
An elegant and functional early 19th-century British sterling silver serving spoon by silversmith John Price. Crafted in the classic Fiddle pattern, it features clean, fluid lines, a broad shoulder leading to the terminal, and a deep, well-proportioned bowl. The reverse is crisply stamped with a complete set of London hallmarks, offering collectors a wonderful example of Georgian dining silver.
Key Features
Crisp and legible maker's mark 'JOHN PRICE', classic Regency Fiddle profile, and a complete, well-struck set of London sterling hallmarks.
Material & Composition
British Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), composed of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent copper for durability.
Finish & Decoration
Smooth mirror polish with minimal decoration, characteristic of the understated Regency style, featuring a gently tapering fiddle-shaped terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
British hallmarks visible include the lion passant for sterling silver purity, a duty mark showing the sovereign's head, a date letter 'D', and the maker's punch 'JOHN PRICE' in capital serif letters.
Construction Details
Hand-forged and die-rolled construction, typical of early 19th-century British flatware manufacturing before full industrial mechanization took over.
Functional Features
Designed for serving side dishes, vegetables, or sauces at the formal dining table, featuring a wide, deep bowl and a balanced, comfortable handle.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver fiddle-shape handle offering a comfortable, ergonomic grip with smooth shoulders tapering into the stem.
Craftsmanship Details
Exhibits classic pre-industrial hand-finishing techniques, with smooth transitions at the shoulders, a well-balanced weight distribution, and cleanly struck maker and assay punches.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic punch impressions with appropriate punch borders, correct lion passant and duty mark placement, and characteristic wear patterns consistent with genuine 200-year-old silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in London, England, adhering to the rigorous assay standards of the London Goldsmiths' Company.
Era & Period
Regency Period / George III or George IV era, spanning the early 19th century based on the shape of the duty mark and date letter style.
Age Estimate
Circa 1819 to 1824, indicated by the specific configuration of the duty mark and date letter punches.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining customs of the Georgian era, where matching or harmonious silver flatware services were a primary indicator of a household's wealth, taste, and social standing.
Condition Notes
Very good antique condition. Shows expected minor surface micro-scratches consistent with age and careful use, with good hallmark legibility and strong structural integrity.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $80 and $150 USD, depending on exact weight, overall condition, and collector demand for named Georgian makers.
Care & Maintenance
Wash gently by hand using mild dish soap and warm water. Dry immediately with a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth. Polish occasionally with a reputable silver cream like Wright's, avoiding harsh abrasive dips, and store in an anti-tarnish flannel wrap.
Similar Pieces
Contemporary Fiddle pattern spoons by prominent makers such as William Eley, Fearn, and Chawner, or provincial silversmiths of the same era.
Interesting Facts
The Fiddle pattern became the dominant flatware design in Britain during the Regency and Victorian periods, largely replacing the earlier Hanoverian and Old English styles due to its sturdy design and comfortable grip.