British Sterling Silver Flatware Utensil by Assessed Maker
Flatware - Serving Piece / Spoon or Fork · Unknown British Silversmith (Maker's mark visible in punch, requires magnification to confirm initials)
Pattern: Traditional British Flatware Pattern, standard fiddle or plain upturned handle design
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece / Spoon or Fork
Maker
Unknown British Silversmith (Maker's mark visible in punch, requires magnification to confirm initials)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 standard as indicated by the British hallmark lion passant)
Dimensions
Standard British flatware dimensions; exact length and weight cannot be precisely determined from the hallmark detail view alone
Description
A close-up view of the reverse stem of a British sterling silver flatware piece, showcasing a crisp, well-struck series of British hallmarks including the lion passant and date letter punches, indicating high-quality regulated production.
Key Features
Legible series of traditional British hallmarks stamped deeply into the silver stem, confirming solid sterling standard and legal assaying
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 standard as indicated by the British hallmark lion passant)
Finish & Decoration
Plain polished surface with minimal or no applied decoration, characteristic of functional British domestic flatware
Hallmarks & Stamps
Full British hallmark visible including maker's mark, lion passant for sterling silver (.925), assay office mark, and date letter
Construction Details
Die-struck or hand-forged handle tapering into the terminal shank, typical of traditional British flatware manufacturing
Functional Features
Designed for domestic dining or serving use with an ergonomic tapered handle grip
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver upturned fiddle or plain flat handle stem tapering toward the terminal
Craftsmanship Details
Standard high-quality British commercial silversmithing with cleanly struck punches and durable construction
Authentication Indicators
Genuine British assay punches showing correct depth, spacing, and standard iconography (lion passant and sovereign/date marks)
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (Great Britain), manufactured in one of the primary assay towns such as London, Birmingham, or Sheffield
Era & Period
Likely Victorian or Edwardian Period based on the standard style of rectangular cartouche hallmarks
Age Estimate
Estimated 19th to early 20th century (circa 1850-1910), determined by the shape of the punch marks
Cultural Significance
Reflects the strict regulatory framework of British silversmithing and the widespread adoption of sterling silver standard in domestic households
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with moderate surface tarnish, minor micro-scratches from use, and clear, unrubbed hallmarks
Value Estimate
Moderate antique market value depending on the specific piece type (spoon vs fork), exact weight, and maker identity
Care & Maintenance
Clean gently with a specialized silver cloth or mild silver cream; store in anti-tarnish cloth bags away from high humidity
Similar Pieces
Standard Victorian and Edwardian British sterling silver spoons and forks by makers such as Chawner & Co or Elkington
Interesting Facts
British hallmarking is one of the oldest consumer protection systems in the world, dating back to the 14th century, ensuring guaranteed metal purity