Sterling Silver Teaspoons Sets with Tongs (1916-1930)
Two cased sets of sterling silver teaspoons with tongs, 1916 Sheffield, with maker's marks for Hammond, Creake & Co.; 1930 Birmingham, with maker's marks for Arthur Price & Co, and Sheffield, Old English pattern spoons, the earlier set with floral engraved decorations to stems, the other with bead borders, tongs unmatched, hallmarked to all, Silver weight: 198gr, length 4.53 in. and smaller
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- Sterling Silver - Sterling silver is a mixture of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper. Fine silver is 99.9% pure silver, and is relatively soft and the addition of the very small amount of copper gives the metal enough strength and hardness to be worked into jewellery, decorative and household objects.
- Old English Pattern - The Old English pattern as is commonly seen on silver flatware is characterized by a simple, clean shape with a slightly upturned tip and a broad handle that tapers gently towards the bowl or blade. The handle may be plain or decorated with a subtle design, such as a line or ridge along the edge or a small decorative motif at the tip. This pattern was first introduced in the 18th century and has remained popular ever since, making it a popular choice for traditional and formal table settings.
- Hallmarks - A mark stamped on articles of precious metals in Britain, since the 14th century, certifying their purity. It derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay (test the purity) and mark articles of gold and silver.
The hallmark will consist of several marks, including the:
- silver standard mark, indicating the purity of the metal. Sterling silver is .925 pure silver.
- the city mark indicating the city in which it was assayed eg London, Birmingham, York etc.
- the date mark, usually a letter of the alphabet in a particular font and case,
- a duty mark, indicating whether duty had been paid to the crown, and only in use from 1784 to 1890
The piece may include an additional mark, the maker's mark, although not forming part of the hallmark, will be located in the vicinity of the hallmarks.
Sometimes silver plated items will bear faux hallmarks, often confusing those not familiar with silver markings. - Engraving - The method of decorating or creating inscriptions on silver and other metal objects by marking the surface with a sharp instrument such as a diamond point or rotating cutting wheel.
This item has been included into following indexes:
- silver cutlery / flatware, patterns
- silver cutlery / flatware, settings - canteens / boxes 646
