George III Sterling Silver Spoon by Mary Chawner
Flatware (Serving or Table Spoon) · Mary Chawner, a prominent female silversmith in London. She took over the family business in 1834 after the death of her husband, William Chawner II. The Chawner family was one of the most prolific and respected spoon-making dynasties in 19th-century England.
Pattern: Old English or Fiddle Pattern (standard Georgian/William IV utilitarian forms)
Type
Flatware (Serving or Table Spoon)
Maker
Mary Chawner, a prominent female silversmith in London. She took over the family business in 1834 after the death of her husband, William Chawner II. The Chawner family was one of the most prolific and respected spoon-making dynasties in 19th-century England.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Dimensions
Estimated length 18-22 cm; weight approximately 45-65 grams depending on whether it is a dessert or table spoon size.
Description
This elegant sterling silver spoon exemplifies the functional beauty of 19th-century English flatware. Produced by the renowned Mary Chawner, the piece features a clean, substantial form that emphasizes the quality of the metal over ornate decoration. Such pieces were the backbone of high-society dining in London during the 1830s.
Key Features
The 'MC' maker's mark identifies it as the work of a notable female silversmith; the deep, crisp striking of the hallmarks indicates high-quality control in the London assay office.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity)
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish typical of late Georgian and early Victorian flatware. Traditional plain stem with no elaborate chasing, likely intended for daily use or as part of a larger service.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Features the maker's mark 'MC' in a rectangular punch for Mary Chawner. Also visible is the Lion Passant (English sterling fineness mark) and a partial Leopard's Head (London assay mark). A date letter and monarch's duty mark would typically follow these in a full sequence.
Construction Details
Hand-forged from a single ingot of silver. The bowl was hammered into shape using a stake, and the stem was drawn and filed to its final profile.
Functional Features
Deep, oval-shaped bowl designed for serving or consuming soups and stews; balanced weight distribution for ergonomic use.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver handle, likely with a spatulate or 'upturned' terminal characteristic of the period; attached seamlessly as part of the forged body.
Craftsmanship Details
Hand-wrought evidence is seen in the slight variations in bowl thickness and the crispness of the forged stem. The marks are hand-struck, showing slight misalignment typical of authentic period pieces.
Authentication Indicators
The 'MC' punch matches registered marks for Mary Chawner in the London Goldsmiths' Hall records; the shape of the shield surrounding the Lion Passant is historically accurate for the 1830s.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England; manufactured in the Chawner workshop located in Hosier Lane, Smithfield.
Era & Period
William IV to Early Victorian era (c. 1834-1840). While the style is rooted in the Georgian tradition, Mary Chawner's specific mark dates to this transitional period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1835-1838 based on the 'MC' mark registration and the style of the lion passant punch.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the rise of specialized dining etiquette in the 19th century and the industrialization of silver production while maintaining hand-forged quality.
Condition Notes
Very Good condition. Light surface scratches (patina) consistent with age and use. The hallmark remains legible despite some typical rubbing from centuries of polishing. No signs of repair or thinning of the bowl edge.
Value Estimate
$80 to $150 USD depending on the specific size and the clarity of the remaining date letter.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only with mild soap. Use a high-quality silver cream like Wright's to remove tarnish. Avoid 'dip' cleaners which can strip the natural patina in the crevices of the hallmarks.
Similar Pieces
Spoons by William Chawner (her husband) or George Adams (her son). William Chawner pieces are earlier Georgian; George Adams pieces are often more ornate Victorian styles.
Interesting Facts
Mary Chawner was one of the few women to successfully run a large-scale silver manufacturing firm in the 19th century. Her firm eventually became Chawner & Co. under her son George Adams, which became the largest flatware manufacturer in the world.