Pair of George III Sterling Silver Berry Spoons | London | 1802

Pair of George III Sterling Silver Berry Spoons | London | 1802

Made in the year of the Peace of Amiens, when Britain paused briefly from war with France, these two spoons have kept each other company for more than two centuries.

Hallmarked in London in 1802, this pair belongs to the reign of George III, a period when English table silver was made in quantity for a growing middle class as well as for the great houses. Silver of this date carries the full sequence of London marks, including the sovereign’s head duty mark introduced in 1784 to show that the tax on silver had been paid. Spoons that have stayed together as a matching pair since that time are less common than single examples, and they remain a favourite with collectors of English silver.

Each spoon has a broad, oval bowl with a shaped edge, embossed and chased with fruit and foliage, and a tapering handle chased with scrolling leaves towards a rounded terminal. The two spoons are closely matched in size and weight. Each is fully hallmarked on the reverse of the stem.

Very good antique condition. Both spoons show light surface wear consistent with age and use, and there are no visible repairs. The chased decoration remains well defined and the hallmarks are clear.

• Maker: Maker’s mark JW
• Assay Office: London
• Date: London 1802–03 (George III)
• Hallmarks: Lion passant; crowned leopard’s head; date letter G; sovereign’s head duty mark; maker’s mark JW
• Material: Sterling silver
• Form: Pair of berry spoons with embossed and chased fruit and foliage decoration
• Spoon 1: 22.2 × 4.2 × 2.7 cm, 78 g
• Spoon 2: 22.1 × 4.3 × 2.7 cm, 73 g
• Condition: Very good; light surface wear consistent with age; no visible repairs; hallmarks clear
• Buyer profile: Collectors of Georgian and English hallmarked silver; buyers looking for a matching pair for serving fruit or desserts; those furnishing a traditional dining room

Collector Appeal

A matching pair of London-hallmarked George III spoons with clear marks, including the duty mark of the period, will appeal to collectors of English Georgian silver. Their richly chased bowls give them a decorative presence beyond everyday flatware, and they are equally at home displayed in a cabinet or used for serving fruit and puddings at a formal table.

Most things made in pairs are eventually parted by time, breakage or inheritance. These two have stayed together for over two hundred years, which is perhaps the rarest thing about them.