Mid-Victorian Fiddle Pattern Sterling Silver Tablespoons
Flatware (Tablespoons / Serving Spoons) · Unknown British Silversmith (typical of London or Birmingham production)
Pattern: Fiddle Pattern (Classic Plain Form)
Type
Flatware (Tablespoons / Serving Spoons)
Maker
Unknown British Silversmith (typical of London or Birmingham production)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), solid construction throughout.
Dimensions
Approximately 8 to 9 inches in length; estimated weight of 60-75 grams per spoon.
Description
A classic pair of Victorian Fiddle pattern tablespoons, characterized by their sturdy construction and timeless minimalist design. Commonly referred to as 'Fiddle' due to the handle's resemblance to a violin's body, these pieces represent the height of 19th-century everyday luxury for the middle and upper classes.
Key Features
Distinctive 'shoulders' at the junction of the bowl and stem; flat spatulate handle terminal; deep, generous bowl capacity.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), solid construction throughout.
Finish & Decoration
Plain polished finish with high-luster surface; minimalist decoration focused on the 'shoulders' at the base of the stem and the spatulate terminal.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Marks are located on the reverse of the stem (not visible in image); expected marks include Lion Passant, Assay Office mark (likely Leopard's head), Date Letter, and Maker's Initials.
Construction Details
Forged from a single ingot of silver; the bowl is hammered to shape and the stem is drawn and filed. Hand-finished edges.
Functional Features
Large ovate bowl designed for serving portions or consuming soup; reinforced 'shoulders' near the bowl for structural integrity.
Handle & Grip Details
Fiddle-shaped handle with a wide, flat terminal; solid silver construction with a comfortable ergonomic balance.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-forging seen in the taper of the stem; high-quality join-free construction from a single piece of silver.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic profile with visible thickening at stress points; hammer marks likely present on the interior rim of the bowl under magnification.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom, likely London or Sheffield; produced in a professional silversmithing workshop using traditional forging methods.
Era & Period
Mid-Victorian Era (c. 1840-1875); the clean, heavy aesthetic reflects the transition from Georgian elegance to Victorian substantiality.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850-1865 based on the width of the fiddle terminal and the curvature of the bowl.
Cultural Significance
These spoons were essential components of the 'formal service' that defined Victorian social status and domestic etiquette.
Condition Notes
Good overall antique condition with moderate surface tarnish. Critical Note: The use of a yellow rubber band is causing localized chemical corrosion (sulfidation) which may leave permanent pitting if not removed immediately. Minor surface scratches consistent with use.
Value Estimate
$120 - $180 USD for the pair, depending on the weight and specific maker's mark.
Care & Maintenance
URGENT: Remove the rubber band immediately as it contains sulfur which eats into silver. Clean with a high-quality polish like Wright’s Silver Cream and store in a sulfur-free flannel roll.
Similar Pieces
Old English pattern (lacks shoulders), King's Pattern (highly decorated), or French Fiddle & Thread (decorated with a border line).
Interesting Facts
The Fiddle pattern became the most popular flatware design in the 19th century because its flat handle was ideal for engraving family crests or monograms without compromising the metal's strength.