Pair of Victorian Onslow Pattern English Sterling Silver Salt Spoons

Offered is a nice "married" (matched up later, but not an original pair) set of two Victorian English sterling silver master salt spoons in the desirable Onslow pattern, popular in the 18th Century. Each spoon is by noted silversmith Charles Stuart Harris (whose biographical details appear below), and it appears one spoon was assayed in 1885, and the other in 1890. The hallmarks and maker's mark appear on the bowl of one spoon, and on the handle of the other, and one spoon has a gilt bowl while the other has no sign of gilding. These spoons each measure about 3 3/8 inches in length, and the pair weighs a total of 15 grams. Condition is fairly good, with minor bends and scratches and signs of use, and some stubborn tarnish in one bowl. All in all a nice useful pair of salt spoons perfect for 18th Century cauldron salt cellars, in a hard-to-find and beautiful pattern!

Charles Stuart Harris (circa 1830-1918) Charles Harris began as a silverplater around 1850 and assumed the workshop of John Mark Harris (relationship unknown) in 1860 in London. By the 1870′s, Harris was renowned for his reproductions of 18th-century styles. Harris’ workshop was expanded in 1885 and 1897 by the acquisition of the manufactories of the Houle and Harris brothers, respectively, so that by 1900 C. H. Harris, Ltd. Sent more silver to the Assay Office than any other maker. Harris retired around this time and died on 23 September 1918. His silversmithing concern continued until its merger in 1933 with I. Freeman and Company.