British Sterling Silver Teaspoon with Floral Engraving
Flatware - Spoon · British Silversmith (Maker's mark partially obscured, standard UK manufacturing lineage)
Pattern: Victorian/Edwardian floral motif pattern with engraved terminal and shoulders
Type
Flatware - Spoon
Maker
British Silversmith (Maker's mark partially obscured, standard UK manufacturing lineage)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon length approximately 13-15 cm (5-6 inches), weight approximately 15-25 grams
Description
An elegant British sterling silver teaspoon featuring a classic oval bowl and a tapered handle adorned with delicate engraved foliage near the shoulder. The reverse of the bowl displays a complete set of traditional British hallmarks stamped directly into the silver.
Key Features
Hallmarks struck on the back of the bowl rather than the handle stem, finely engraved leaf motif at the handle junction
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver with engraved floral leaf motif near the handle shoulder
Hallmarks & Stamps
Traditional British hallmarks including maker's mark, lion passant for sterling silver, assay office mark, and date letter stamped on the back of the bowl
Construction Details
Die-struck and cold-formed, traditional manufacturing process for British flatware
Functional Features
Teaspoon designed for stirring tea and measuring sugar
Handle & Grip Details
Flat tapered handle with engraved decoration at the junction with the bowl
Craftsmanship Details
Standard high-quality British Victorian commercial flatware production with crisp punch marks and clean engraving
Authentication Indicators
Clear punch-stamped British hallmarks with standard duty and purity markers indicating genuine sterling silver
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (Assay offices in London, Birmingham, Sheffield, or Chester)
Era & Period
Late Victorian to Edwardian Period (c. 1880-1910)
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1910 based on hallmark style and bowl placement
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal British ritual of afternoon tea and Victorian domestic culture
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with moderate tarnish, surface hairline scratches consistent with age and gentle use, structural integrity intact
Value Estimate
$15 - $45 USD depending on exact maker, weight, and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild soap and warm water, dry immediately with a soft cloth, polish periodically with professional silver cream like Wright's
Similar Pieces
Standard Victorian and Edwardian British teaspoons from makers like Mappin & Webb or Elkington & Co.
Interesting Facts
Placing hallmarks on the back of the spoon bowl was a common practice in earlier British silver manufacturing before shifting primarily to the stem reverse in the 20th century