Bristol-made Silver Sugar Sifter Spoon, Exeter 1849

The Bristol firm of Robert Williams & Sons was initially founded by William Woodman in 1818, before being succeeded by Robert Williams in 1838 and then the latter in partnership with his sons between 1845 and 1853 when this sugar sifter spoon was made. The firm continued to expand under the leadership of James & Josiah and took on a London showroom in the late 1870's. By this date they were the largest English silver producers outside the main centres of London, Birmingham and Sheffield and were the sole reason for the continuation of the assay office in Exeter until its closure in 1882 - which was undoubtedly linked to the retirement of Josiah Williams in 1879. The company continued to trade as Josiah Williams & Co. from Bristol until 1940. 

This fiddle pattern silver sugar sifter spoon bears a full set of Exeter hallmarks and the RW/JW/JW maker's mark for Robert and his two sons. It has a good solid feel and benefits from having no personalised engravings. It has an attractively pierced bowl and a lovely antique patina. It is in excellent condition.