A John Hardman & Co, gothic revival silver and enamel caddy spoon

Price range: £850

A rare gothic revival silver and enamel caddy spoon by the leading gothic revival metal working firm of John Hardman & Co. The caddy spoon is hammered in  the arts and crafts style and has cloisonne enamel handle, somewhat in the Russian or Scandinavian style, and engraved birds to the bowl.  There are remnants of old worn gilding to the spoon. It is assayed for Birmingham 1890.  At 14 cm long this is a large and heavy caddy spoon.

Spoons, and even more so caddy spoons, by Hardman are rare.  Those I have identified all seem to date to c 1890 and have this unusual cloisonne enamelling.  Research ongoing!  The most similar spoon identified was previously sold by the Antique Silver Spoons Gallery and that had formed part of the famous caddy spoon collection of John Norie, appearing in the book by Norie, “Caddy spoons: An illustrated  supplement” on page 25.

John Hardman Powell was the only student of Augustus Pugin, who later married Pugin’s daughter. Augustus Pugin was the leading Victorian architect and designer who popularised the neo gothic style  and designed the Houses of Parliament. E W Pugin was Augustus’ elder son who  worked in his father’s style.

Condition is excellent and original.  The spoon is a very good gauge.

Maker: John Hardman & Co

Designer:  Unknown

Date : 1890

Marks: JH & Co, Birmingham, date letter “q”

Material: Sterling silver, enamel

Condition: Excellent, worn gilding

Size: 14 cm long

Weight : 46 grams, 1.6 oz