British Sterling Silver Table Spoon
Flatware - Spoon (Table Spoon / Serving Spoon) · Unknown British Silversmith (hallmarks partially visible requiring direct inspection for exact maker's mark)
Pattern: Traditional Plain or Fiddle Pattern Variant
Type
Flatware - Spoon (Table Spoon / Serving Spoon)
Maker
Unknown British Silversmith (hallmarks partially visible requiring direct inspection for exact maker's mark)
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Dimensions
Standard British table spoon size, approximately 20 to 22 cm in length, estimated weight between 50 and 70 grams
Description
A classic British sterling silver table spoon featuring a well-balanced form with a deep oval bowl and a smooth, tapering handle. The reverse of the terminal displays a clear series of traditional British hallmarks indicating silver purity, assay location, and date, reflecting the high standards of British silversmithing.
Key Features
Clear five-mark British hallmark punch sequence, solid sterling silver construction, classic utilitarian proportions
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness)
Finish & Decoration
High mirror polish with traditional plain utilitarian finish, typical of formal dining silver
Hallmarks & Stamps
Standard British hallmark punch comprising five distinct cartouches including standard purity mark (Lion Passant), assay office mark, and date letter
Construction Details
Traditional die-struck bowl and stem handle assembly, hand-finished with smooth transitions
Functional Features
Large oval bowl designed for serving dishes at the table or general dining use
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver tapered handle with flat or slightly downturned terminal end designed for comfortable grip
Craftsmanship Details
Traditional British silversmithing execution with clean lines, solid gauge silver, and crisp, legible hallmark stamping
Authentication Indicators
Authentic British hallmark sequence showing indented punch marks with characteristic surrounding metal displacement (strike depression)
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom (British assay office origin such as London, Birmingham, or Sheffield)
Era & Period
Likely Victorian or Edwardian Period based on standard five-mark British stamping format
Age Estimate
Circa 1850 - 1910, determined by standard British hallmarking style and spoon form
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of formal Victorian and Edwardian dining traditions where matched sterling silver flatware was a staple of household wealth and status
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition with minor surface hairline scratches consistent with light use and polishing; bowl maintains good structural integrity without thin spots
Value Estimate
Estimated market value between $40 and $90 USD depending on exact weight, maker identity, and silver spot price
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, polish periodically with a trusted silver cream like Wright's, and store in an anti-tarnish flannel wrap
Similar Pieces
Standard Victorian Fiddle pattern or Old English pattern table spoons by major British makers such as Elkington & Co. or Atkin Brothers
Interesting Facts
British table spoons of this era served multiple functions at the dining table, often doubling as serving spoons before dedicated smaller serving pieces became widespread
Notes
Table spoon