Deykin & Harrison 'D&A' Silver Plate Fiddle Pattern Flatware
Flatware (likely a spoon or fork handle) · Deykin & Harrison (marked 'D&A'), a manufacturing silversmith and electroplater based in Birmingham, England. Founded in the mid-19th century (c. 1854), they were reputable high-volume producers of quality silver plate.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern (classic teardrop stem with notched shoulders near the bowl/head). This is one of the most prolific patterns in British flatware history.
Type
Flatware (likely a spoon or fork handle)
Maker
Deykin & Harrison (marked 'D&A'), a manufacturing silversmith and electroplater based in Birmingham, England. Founded in the mid-19th century (c. 1854), they were reputable high-volume producers of quality silver plate.
Material
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). This is a base metal of nickel, copper, and zinc coated with a thin layer of silver through electrolysis. It contains no solid silver content.
Dimensions
Based on pattern proportions: approximately 17-21cm in length. Weight is consistent with nickel silver, which is denser than sterling but lighter than lead-filled pieces.
Description
This is a classic example of British industrial silverware from the turn of the century. While not sterling silver, Deykin & Harrison pieces were prized for their durability and 'heft,' allowing middle-class families to follow the formal dining customs of the aristocracy at a lower price point. The fiddle pattern handle shows a gentle curve and the characteristic 'shoulders' that mark its transition into the stem.
Key Features
The 'D&A' maker's mark within a shield and the series of gothic-style letter stamps intended to resemble Sheffield or Birmingham hallmarks.
Material & Composition
Electroplated Nickel Silver (EPNS). This is a base metal of nickel, copper, and zinc coated with a thin layer of silver through electrolysis. It contains no solid silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish originally, now showing a soft greyish-purple patina typical of aged silver plate. The decoration is minimal, following the 'Old English' or 'Fiddle' tradition with a simple rounded terminal and small shoulders.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The marks are pseudo-hallmarks typical of silver plate: 'D&A' for Deykin & Harrison; a 'Venetian Lantern' or 'Globe' trade mark; 'B', 'P', and 'S' in gothic cartouches representing 'British Plate' or 'Silver Plate'. These are designed to mimic official silver assay marks but bear no official legal status.
Construction Details
Die-struck from sheet nickel silver and then electroplated. This is a mass-produced industrial item from the late Victorian or Edwardian era.
Functional Features
Rounded terminal for ergonomic grip; sturdy 'fiddle' shoulders to prevent bending at the neck of the piece.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid nickel silver core with a flat, flared handle characteristic of the mid-19th to early 20th century ergonomic style.
Craftsmanship Details
Quality industrial manufacturing. The stamps are well-aligned, and the form is symmetrical, showing the high standards of Birmingham's manufacturing peak before the transition to stainless steel.
Authentication Indicators
The 'D&A' mark is a definitive indicator of electroplate. The lack of a 'lion passant' (the British mark for .925 sterling) confirms this is not solid silver. The wear pattern (showing the base metal) is consistent with authentic antique plate.
Origin & Manufacturing
Birmingham, England. Birmingham was the world hub for electroplated silver production during the Industrial Revolution.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian (c. 1880-1915). The 'D&A' mark and the gothic lettering in the stamps were most prevalent during this time of British industrial expansion.
Age Estimate
Circa 1895-1910 based on the specific style of the Deykin & Harrison 'D&A' stamp and the wear on the plate.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of luxury in 19th-century Britain, where electroplating allowed the rising middle class to own 'silver' table services previously reserved for the ultra-wealthy.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There is significant 'bleeding'—a dark or brassy undertone visible where the thin silver plating has worn away through years of polishing, especially on the high points of the handle. Notable surface scratching and tarnish.
Value Estimate
Low commercial value ($2 to $10 USD per piece). As silver plate, it has no scrap/melt value and is primarily of interest for replacements of existing sets or as decorative historical objects.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very mild silver polish and a soft cloth. Because this is plated, excessive polishing with abrasive creams will eventually remove the silver layer entirely, exposing the yellow-grey nickel silver beneath ('bleeding'). Store in a dry place to prevent pitting.
Similar Pieces
Similar Fiddle pattern pieces by Elkington & Co or Walker & Hall. The primary difference is the specific trade marks; Elkington pieces often command a higher price due to their status as the inventors of electroplating.
Interesting Facts
Deykin & Harrison used a specific 'Globe' or 'Venetian Lantern' mark to distinguish their high-grade 'Venetian Silver' (a name for their specific alloy) from cheaper competitors.