British Sterling Silver Teaspoon by L&C, Birmingham Assay
Flatware (Spoon) · Maker mark 'L&C', likely a British provincial or registered silversmith working in the 19th or early 20th century.
Pattern: Standard plain fiddle or tailored handle pattern typical of Victorian utilitarian silver flatware.
Type
Flatware (Spoon)
Maker
Maker mark 'L&C', likely a British provincial or registered silversmith working in the 19th or early 20th century.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), verified by British hallmarks including the anchor mark for Birmingham and the 'S' date letter or standard indicator.
Dimensions
Standard teaspoon dimensions, roughly 13 to 15 cm in length, weighing approximately 15 to 25 grams.
Description
A charming and functional British sterling silver teaspoon featuring classic fiddle-pattern styling. The reverse of the stem proudly displays a complete set of Birmingham hallmarks, offering clear provenance and metal purity verification. The bowl is securely joined to the stem with a reinforced drop heel.
Key Features
Complete and legible British hallmarks including the Birmingham anchor and sterling lion passant.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness), verified by British hallmarks including the anchor mark for Birmingham and the 'S' date letter or standard indicator.
Finish & Decoration
Smooth polished finish with minimal decoration, featuring a classical upturned fiddle-back handle and a decorative rat-tail or drop attachment at the base of the bowl.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible hallmarks on the reverse handle include the maker's mark 'L&C' in a rectangle, a lion passant (sterling standard), an anchor (Birmingham assay office), and a date letter/cypher.
Construction Details
Die-struck handle with a hand-soldered bowl junction, displaying traditional British flatware manufacturing techniques of the period.
Functional Features
Designed for stirring tea or consuming soft foods, featuring a deep bowl for liquid retention.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver fiddle-shape handle widening toward the terminal, offering an ergonomic grip for daily dining use.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard commercial British silversmithing output combining mechanized die-striking with skilled manual finishing and soldering.
Authentication Indicators
Clear punch-struck hallmarks with natural metal displacement around the edges of the stamps, authentic patination, and correct period construction.
Origin & Manufacturing
Made in Birmingham, England, renowned for its massive output of silver flatware and smallwares during the Industrial Revolution.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901) or Edwardian Period based on the style and typical Birmingham assay markings.
Age Estimate
Late 19th century, circa 1870-1900, inferred from the hallmark style and typography.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the Victorian ritual of afternoon tea and the widespread adoption of standardized sterling flatware in British households.
Condition Notes
Good antique condition with surface hairline scratches, moderate tarnish in recessed areas, and minor wear consistent with age and careful use. No major structural damage or repairs.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges between $25 and $60 USD depending on exact weight, collector demand, and local antique market trends.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle commercial silver cream and a soft cloth. Store in an anti-tarnish flannel wrap away from high humidity.
Similar Pieces
Standard Victorian fiddle-pattern teaspoons by major makers such as Elkington & Co. or H. Wallace & Co.
Interesting Facts
Birmingham assay office marks (the anchor) have been used since 1773 following an Act of Parliament lobbied for by Matthew Boulton and other industrialists.