Mr Sargison’s Silver Spoon

A tribute to Tasmanian silversmith Mr Harold Sargison on the anniversary of his death.

Recently I have been trying to decide what to do with three full cutlery sets (from several generations) plus numerous boxed sets; demitasse spoons, fish knives, fruit knives and forks, teaspoon sets etc etc. It is overwhelming.

But yesterday I was stopped in my tracks by a single, solid silver jam spoon. It has a hand beaten bowl and the most delightful design of gum leaves on the handle. The mark said Sargison, which meant nothing to me.

A quick Google and voila! Harold Sargison, who founded his business in Hobart in 1905. My late mother-in-law was living in Hobart from the 1940s until the 1970s, so I resume she purchased the spoon or received it as a gift.

The following photo is of Sargison’s when it was located in Elizabeth Street. In 1966 it moved to its current premises in Liverpool Street.

I’m not surprised that Mr Sargison expressed his love of nature so eloquently. He was a life member of the Tasmanian Field Naturalists’ Club.

A profile of Harold appeared in the Tasmanian journal 40 Degrees South in June 2009. It was written by Janet Fenton. As the title indicates. it highlighted his kindness and generosity of spirit.

Do I intend to use my lovely spoon? I certainly do! Only with home made jam of course and in my most delicate dish. By the way, the jam is peach and blueberry, made by local lady Nan Wagner.

If I was cooking a turkey this year the dish would contain cranberry sauce.

Harold continued working into his nineties. In 1981 he supervised the making of a set of spoons for Prince Charles and Lady Diana; a wedding gift from Tasmanians. He died on December 22 1983, aged 98. Thanks for my little treasure Mr Sargison.

For more information on Harold Sargison’s career, CLICK HERE