SIlver Spoon

British Silver Reading Silver Hallmarks
1

Hi

We just had a wall removed and found an old silver spoon buried in it (it was an old rubble filled wall dating back to approx 1860-70)

I’d really like to find out how old the spoon is but am having real trouble with the hallmarks. I am posting a photo, but the marks are quite worn and all the pictures I have taken so far aren’t great.

It looks like There are 5 marks in a line as follows:

  1. an oval with the initials K/E R (the K/E is not clear)
  2. a circle with an ampersand in it
  3. a square (with rounded corners) with an ‘s’ in it (there is a line that runs through the s top right to bottom left)
  4. a shield (shaped like a Blue Peter badge) with what looks like a crown in it
  5. a similar mark to (1) but on its side.

I know this is probably a terrible description but I really dont have any idea where to start. Could anyone point me in the right direction?

Also, the spoon was badly rusted/tarnished. I have given it a gentle clean but am not sure how best to look after it now.

Thanks for your time

Natasha
(Sheffield)
sppon resized again.jpg

2

Dear Poppet,
The marks on your spoon belong to the maker JOHN ROUND & SON they were active between the years 1863 - 1897
the next mark is a gothic crown signifying SHEFFIELD, and the last mark is EP which signifies that your spoon is not silver, but Electro-Plated,

I hope that helps you

Harry

3

Thanks so mcuh, Harry, this is very interesting.

Since it is electro-plated, is there anything specific I should use to clean it up?

Natasha

4

Hi Natasha,
Can’t really see much in the foto, it’s possible that the base metal has oxidised over the years and eaten through some of its plating. I suggest that you take it to somebody who can study it “LIVE” and give you the appropriate advice.

All the best

Harry Hood