Georgian Flatware

Periods of Georgian Silverware

• The term "Georgian" refers to the period during which a monarch reigned, rather than to a specific flatware or silver pattern. The level of flatware simplicity or ornamentation during various times reflected corresponding periods of austerity or prosperity in Britain.

  Some British antique experts limit the Georgian period to that of the consecutive reigns of kings George I, II, III and IV from 1714 to 1830. During this 116-year span, flatware designs ranged from very plain to very ornate pieces. Other experts also include the reign of George V from 1910 to 1936 and George VI from 1936 to 1952. Patterns during this 42-year span show characteristics of the arts and crafts movement and minimalism.

  Collectors need to know that the American company Towle Silversmiths of Massachusetts also makes a flatware pattern called Georgian, which is unrelated to British Georgian silver flatware.

Hallmarks of Georgian Flatware

• British silver hallmarks come in sets and include a standard mark indicating the purity of the silver, city mark, date letter, duty mark (if made between 1785 and 1890) and maker's mark. Unless there are four marks, the piece may be of non-British origin or silver plate with marks to resemble authentic hallmarks.

Purchasing Georgian Flatware

• Work with a reputable dealer and examine the hallmarks on the back of each piece. Look for a full set of hallmarks and ensure that the date mark indicates the stated date of manufacture. When purchasing a set of Georgian flatware, make sure all of the marks on all pieces match. Look for distortion, position and depth of hallmarks for signs of tampering or replacement with another hallmark. Depressions may indicate removal of a hallmark. Watch for details like the length of fork tines. Short tines may indicate reworking of tines to make worn tines the same length.

Enjoyment of Collecting Georgian Flatware

• "MoneyWeek" reports that investors purchasing Georgian flatware for the pleasure of owning and using it should be less concerned with matching hallmarks and enjoy the quest for Georgian flatware pieces. It suggests visiting flea markets and smaller auction houses in Great Britain. Antique dealers providing online sales recommend that purchasers require a statement documenting the date of manufacture and explanation of hallmarks.