British Sterling Silver Teaspoon with London Hallmarks
Flatware - Teaspoon · Likely William Chawner II or similar London-based specialist silversmith. The 'WC' maker's mark (partially obscured) is characteristic of the Chawner family flatware dynasty, renowned for high-quality Regency and Victorian dining implements.
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern flatware; a classic, utilitarian design that was the standard for British households throughout the 19th century.
Type
Flatware - Teaspoon
Maker
Likely William Chawner II or similar London-based specialist silversmith. The 'WC' maker's mark (partially obscured) is characteristic of the Chawner family flatware dynasty, renowned for high-quality Regency and Victorian dining implements.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the Lion Passant mark. Solid construction throughout without weighted components.
Dimensions
Estimated length: 13-14 cm (approx. 5.5 inches). Estimated weight: 20-30 grams. Standard teaspoon size.
Description
A classic example of mid-Victorian utility, this sterling silver teaspoon showcases the impeccable standards of the London Assay Office. The Fiddle pattern handle provides a substantial weight in the hand, characteristic of an era where silver was both a functional tool and a store of wealth. The hallmarks are exceptionally crisp, reflecting the high strike quality of the period.
Key Features
Crisp London hallmarks; classic Fiddle pattern architecture; substantial gauge of silver typical of the 19th-century English manufacturing tradition.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity) as indicated by the Lion Passant mark. Solid construction throughout without weighted components.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with deep-struck hallmarks. Typical flat-surfaced 'Fiddle' stem shape with no secondary chasing or engraving, emphasizing the clean lines of the Late Georgian/Early Victorian style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Three distinct marks: 1. Lion Passant (walking lion) indicating .925 sterling purity. 2. Leopard's Head (crowned or uncrowned) representing the London Assay Office. 3. Date Letter 'p' or 'd' in a shaped shield. The shapes of the cartouches are consistent with London marking cycles of the mid-19th century.
Construction Details
Drop-forged or hand-forged from a single ingot of silver. The bowl was shaped using a curved stake and hammer, while the stem was die-struck for pattern consistency.
Functional Features
Tapered handle for ergonomic grip, reinforced 'shoulders' at the join of the bowl and handle for structural durability during use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid sterling silver handle in the Fiddle pattern. Integrated design with no separate attachment points, ensuring long-term hygiene and strength.
Craftsmanship Details
High quality. The hallmark alignment and depth indicate a master striker. The smooth transition from handle to bowl shows careful hand-finishing after the initial forging.
Authentication Indicators
Genuineness of the punch marks, which show the correct 'spread' or displacement of metal around the stamp; appropriate wear patterns; period-correct cartouche shapes.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Produced in one of the specialized flatware workshops near the Clerkenwell or Foster Lane districts, then assayed at Goldsmiths' Hall.
Era & Period
Early Victorian (1837-1901). The hallmark style Transitioned from the Georgian era but retains the sturdy, unadorned aesthetic favored in the mid-1800s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850. The lowercase date letter 'p' or 'd' and the specific shield shape for the London Leopard point to the 1840-1860 period.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the rising middle class in Victorian Britain; tea service was a core social ritual, and owning sterling silver flatware was a primary indicator of respectability.
Condition Notes
Very Good - Excellent. Fine surface scratches consistent with use ('patina'). Hallmarks remain highly legible with minimal wear from over-polishing. No evidence of bowl thinning or repairs.
Value Estimate
$40 - $75 USD depending on the specific maker identification and current silver spot price.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash with mild detergent; polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Store in acid-free tissue or a Pacific Silvercloth roll to prevent tarnish.
Similar Pieces
Old English pattern spoons (no 'shoulders' on the handle); King's pattern spoons (highly ornate shell and honeysuckle motifs).
Interesting Facts
The Fiddle pattern originated in France as the 'Vieux Paris' style and became the most produced flatware pattern in British history due to its simplicity and durability.