Exeter Fiddle silver serving spoon

Made in Exeter, this Victorian provincial silver serving or basting spoon is in the ever popular Fiddle pattern. Usually known as Plain Fiddle because of the huge number of derivatives, its name springs from the fiddle-shaped handle and must rate as one of the major and lasting designs for flatware.

The Exeter assay office was officially opened in 1700 and operated until 1883. Provincial silver is now relatively rare and pieces carrying the Exeter assay mark attract particular interest from collectors.

John Stone (1800-1868) was an Exeter silversmith. His assay marks were registered from 1825 until 1867. He produced mainly flatware items, such as spoons, butter knives, sugar tongs, often in the Fiddle and Old English patterns.

The earliest example of Fiddle pattern can be found among Roman silver in the British Museum although its production in England in the mid 18th century stemmed from France where it was the most popular pattern.