Antique Henry Wilkinson & Co. Silver Plated Fish Engraved Sugar Shovel | c.1890

A really beautiful little piece of late Victorian tableware, made by Henry Wilkinson & Co. of Sheffield, circa 1890. This antique silver plated sugar shovel has the most wonderful long, decorative handle, covered with tiny beaded and foliate details, but it’s the engraving on the blade that made me fall for it - a beautifully hand-engraved fish, complete with delicate scales and fins.

I love finding pieces like this where something completely practical has been given so much attention. Made for spooning sugar from the bowl, it would still be lovely used in exactly the same way today, but equally beautiful with loose-leaf tea, coffee, salts or little condiments.

The silver plate has softened beautifully with age, with gentle surface marks and wear from more than a century of use, giving it that wonderful old silver patina rather than an overly polished finish. The maker’s marks can still be seen to the reverse.

A tiny piece of Victorian craftsmanship, over 130 years old, and such an unusual one with that gorgeous little fish quietly swimming across the shovel.

Antique condition: Beautiful condition for its age with expected surface wear, scratches and areas of softening to the silver plate consistent with age and use.

Length: 15.5cm x Width: 3.5cm