Steppes Hill Farm Antiques Newsletter #25 - August 2013





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Antique silver Caddy Spoons used to transfer the expensive tea leaves from the storage Caddy to the Pot and made in a huge variety of styles have long been collected and rare Georgian examples by celebrated silversmiths can command high prices, but even though the commodity that is tea became much more affordable in the 19th and 20th centuries silver continued to be used as a medium for their production. Just as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries it is apparent that there were some fine quality Spoons made in the 20th century alongside the not so nice mass produced varieties. Caddy Spoon collectors mainly used to confine their acquisitions to the Georgian and Victorian era's, but that is certainly not the case today. Infact I can report a distinct trend reversal in this market place and it is now the modern 20th century examples that are all the rage. It has got to the point where prices have actually fallen for perfectly decent Georgian and Victorian Spoons and the stylish Art Nouveau, Arts & Crafts or Art Deco Spoons still march on at a pace.

This trend has extended to include very "modern" Spoons made by Contemporary silversmiths, often "commemorative" in nature and produced to celebrate an event or an anniversary.

There were certainly some fine quality Spoons produced during the 20th century and indeed up to the present day and I am pleased to be able to offer a little selection here:-

  1. Arts & Crafts Silver Caddy Spoon designed by Edward Spencer for the ARTIFICERS' GUILD, LONDON 1931
     
  2. Late 19th Century American Cast Silver Caddy Spoon 'Olympian Pattern' by TIFFANY & Co NEW YORK c1878
     
  3. Large Victorian Arts & Crafts Style Caddy Spoon by MAPPIN & WEBB, SHEFFIELD 1897
     
  4. 20th Century Aesops Fable 'Fox & Grapes' Caddy Spoon by A. EDWARD JONES, BIRMINGHAM 1915
     
  5. Cast Silver Figural Caddy Spoon 'William Shakespeare' by BERNARD INSTONE, BIRMINGHAM 1928
     
  6. 20th Century Arts & Crafts Hammered Silver Caddy Spoon - 'Two Storks' by BERNARD INSTONE, BIRMINGHAM 1929
     
  7. Society of Caddy Spoon Collectors Millennium Silver Caddy Spoon by GERALD BENNEY, LONDON 2000
     
  8. Captain John D. Norie Commemorative Nautical Silver Caddy Spoon by MICHAEL SOFTLEY, LONDON 2005
     
  9. Captain John D. Norie Commemorative Trinity House Cap Silver Caddy Spoon by TIMOTHY JOSEPH BURTWELL, LONDON 2005

Edwardian Silver & Inlaid Tortoiseshell Bow Front Postal Scale A rare Victorian Novelty Silver 'Seal' Propelling Pencil Victorian Silver & Enamel Coaching Scene Vesta Case Victorian Novelty Cast Silver Cat Pepper
 
Nantgarw Brace Service Type Dessert Plate Early Worcester Coffee Cup & Saucer Purple Monochrome Rim First Period Worcester Butter Tub, Cover & Stand 'Three Flowers Pattern' Early Bow Figure of a Seated Harlequin

Apart from the collection of Caddy Spoons illustrated above I have managed to find a few other interesting new pieces to offer this month and they include; a fine and unusual Edwardian Silver & Inlaid Tortoiseshell Bow Front Postal Scale, a spectacular Nantgarw Dessert Plate, a rare Victorian Novelty Silver 'Seal' Propelling Pencil, a rare Early Worcester Coffee Cup & Saucer with a purple monochrome rim, a good Victorian Silver & Enamel Coaching Scene Vesta Case, a First Period Worcester blue and white Butter Tub, Cover & Stand, a Victorian Novelty Cast Silver Cat Pepper and a fine and rare early Bow Figure of a seated Harlequin.

In fact there are over 50 new items of stock uploaded this month, so hopefully there will be something for everyone.



I do hope that you will find this Newsletter informative and helpful and will allow us send it to you on a regular basis. I would welcome any feedback you may have, both positive and negative.

David W.A. Buck.
Steppes Hill Farm Antiques