Sheffield c 1915 CWF & HW ?

[Shepherdess]

Hello, I have two sets of spoons which I'm looking for a makers name on, wonder if anyone can help.....
The first has a swirl design to the handle with an illegible number after the bowl on the front of the stem. Makers mark CWF
The second is what looks like an arts and crafts spoon, a simple trefid shaped handle with the makers mark HW.
Both have hallmarks showing Sheffield the date letter is difficult for me as I cannot decide between 1895 and 1915 - I'm sure it's simple to you lot.
Grateful for any help, Shepherdess.

[Granmaa]

CWF is almost certainly Charles William Fletcher who worked in Sheffield in the early 20th century, the HW could be H. Wigfull. I've included both marks: the Fletcher one is 1919, and the Wigfull is 1907.

Miles

[Shepherdess]

Hi Miles, thank you so much, I'm sure you're right even down to the shape of the stamp the rounded edges of the CWF and the very precise HW. exactly. The date letter on both is the same, it is very similar to the 1915, the back to back ornate f's. I really must get to grips with the photo hosting it's ridiculous. Thanks again, Nicky

[Granmaa]

No problem Nicky.

The 1895 and 1915 marks are quite similar if the left side is worn. The 1915 mark, which you described as two back to back f's, is actually an x which has a line through the middle; this is lacking in the 1895 c. I've include pictures of the dates. However, I think you can be sure it is 1915 because of the periods these makers worked in.

Best wishes,
Miles

1895


1915

[Shepherdess]

That's fab, yep you're right it is the 1915. How come the Wigfull is so Arts & Crafts and yet the Fletcher is so Art Nouveau, is it just an overlap of times/fashions, because they are very different ? I presume this is your interest and you don't mind all these stupid questions. I see a lot of silver at auction up this way that goes for comparative peanuts and have been trying to learn, so thanks for your input. Promise I will get to grips with photo hosting ! Nicky

[Granmaa]

My interest is in mid-Georgian spoons, so my knowledge of spoons of this period is quite limited. I can tell you however that the Art Nouveau period was around the 1880s and the Arts and Crafts was just before. I'd love to see some pictures of these spoons.
You're quite right about the comparative cheapness of spoons from this period; I think it's partly due to the vast quantity that was made and survives and also Victorian, Georgian and pre-Georgian spoons have a character to them and feel as if real care has gone into their making. At least that's my preference, but perhaps I've grown a bit biased over the years!
If you want to see some of my spoons, take a look in the British Sterling forum.

Miles

[Shepherdess]

Hi Miles, sorry for not getting back to you last night. I will get to grips with hosting and post, I'll try later today. Georgian spoons, your pockets are obviously deeper than mine at the moment ! I will have a look at yours, thanks, Nicky