The Tiny Titans of Antique Silver: Collecting Georgian Caddy Spoons
For the discerning collector, few objects offer the perfect marriage of historical charm, artistic variety, and tangible investment potential quite like the Georgian silver caddy spoon. Born from the late 18th-century tea ceremony boom, these diminutive treasures—originally designed to measure precious tea leaves from caddy to pot—have become a blue-chip sector of the silver market.
The Pleasure of the Hunt
The joy of caddy spoons lies in their infinite variety. Unlike standard flatware, caddy spoons allowed silversmiths to experiment with whimsy. While the classic shell-shaped bowl is the most common entry point, the true thrill is hunting for “novelty” spoons. You might find a spoon shaped like a jockey’s cap, a hand, an eagle’s wing, or a textured leaf.
Makers matter immensely. A standard London spoon might fetch a modest sum, but find the “HB” mark of Hester Bateman—the “Queen of English Silversmiths”—and you have a piece of history that commands instant respect and a premium price.
Market Watch: Latest Auction Prices (2025-2026)
The market has shown remarkable resilience, with a clear “flight to quality.” Recent hammer prices from late 2025 illustrate the tiered nature of the market:
Entry Level: Standard George III spoons (London or Birmingham, c. 1800-1820) remain accessible. At recent sales by Woolley & Wallis and David Lay, mixed lots of spoons have hammered down at roughly £40–£60 per spoon, making them an affordable start for new collectors.
Mid-Market: Good provincial marks (e.g., Newcastle, Exeter) or clean bright-cut designs by makers like Joseph Taylor are steadily achieving £130–£250. A rare Newcastle spoon by Robertson & Walton recently commanded £225.
Investment Grade: This is where the serious profit potential lies. Novelty shapes are performing exceptionally well. In December 2025, a George III Silver Jockey’s Cap (1797) realised $475 (£375) at auction, while a rare William IV Strawberry Leaf spoon is currently valued at £650 by specialist dealers. The iconic “Eagle’s Wing” spoon remains the holy grail, with fine examples consistently fetching four figures.
Future Investment Potential
For the investor, the advice is simple: buy rarity and condition. Common patterns are plentiful, but novelty shapes and rare provincial assays (like York or Chester) are finite resources with global demand. As modern minimalism fades, the tactile, intricate beauty of Georgian silver is poised for a renaissance. A pristine Hester Bateman or a quirky Matthew Linwood novelty spoon is not just a delight to hold—it is a store of wealth that has outlasted monarchs and markets alike.
