Edwardian Sterling Silver Scalloped Sugar Bowl – Atkin Brothers, Sheffield, 1907

Edwardian Sterling Silver Scalloped Sugar Bowl – Atkin Brothers, Sheffield, 1907

Once a costly luxury, sugar had become a familiar part of the Edwardian tea table, served in silver bowls such as this.

Atkin Brothers of Sheffield was one of the city’s long-established silversmithing firms, and this maker’s mark, H.A, is that of Harry Atkin. The bowl was hallmarked in Sheffield in 1907–08, during the reign of Edward VII, when open sugar bowls on small feet were a standard part of the well-laid tea table.

The bowl is gently lobed, rising to a wide, wavy scalloped rim, with a fine beaded border just inside the edge. It stands on four scroll feet. The silver is otherwise plain and polished, so the rippling outline does the work. The side is fully hallmarked.

Excellent condition, with no visible dents and only light wear consistent with careful use.

A matching milk jug by Atkin Brothers, hallmarked Sheffield 1907–08, shares the bowl’s maker, date and design; the two were made to be used together.

• Maker: Atkin Brothers, Sheffield (maker’s mark H.A, Harry Atkin)
• Assay: Sheffield, 1907–08
• Hallmarks: Maker’s mark, crown, lion passant, date letter p
• Period: Edwardian
• Material: Sterling silver
• Form: Lobed open sugar bowl with scalloped rim on four scroll feet
• Dimensions: Diameter 12 cm; height 6.4 cm
• Weight: 170 g
• Condition: Excellent; no visible dents; light wear consistent with careful use
• Buyer profile: Collectors of English hallmarked silver, and anyone building a period tea service

Collector Appeal

Edwardian sugar bowls are among the most usable pieces of antique silver, and a named Sheffield maker with clear marks adds to their appeal.

Companion piece from the shop: matching milk jug.

The silver remains, long after the Edwardian tea table has passed into history.