An 18th Century Dutch silver marrow scoop, in the traditional form, with a larger and smaller scoop on either side. The scoop has 5 hallmarks, Amsterdam town mark, Lion Rampant indicating 934 standard, date letter C partially struck (1787), and a partially struck makers mark, first letter H, second letter possibly H. A 5th hallmark which was struck later is also present, a small but clear Gothic T tax stamp. Note - An authority on Dutch silver has now kindly identified this maker as Hermanus Heuvel, we appreciate the assistance. Hermanus Heuvel worked between 1766 and 1810, he is mostly renowned for large scale silver objects but the Rijksmuseum has a miniature silver cupboard on display by Heuvel, (room 0.10 and on the website), this was also made in 1787.
A rare solid silver version of the Voortrekker Aandenking (memorial) 1838 - 1938 bowl, in 835 grade silver. The circular bowl with foot is well modeled, with ox wagons on trek, with Boer (farmer) on horse, cattle in the foreground and mountains in the background, framed by trees. The other image is of the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, and in between are two lit candles in a candlestick, surrounded by chains, with Zulu shields above and ox horns below. One candle reads "VOORTREKKER AANDENKING", the other "1838 - 1938". This design was done by the famous South African artist JH Pierneef (1886-1957), probably South Africa's greatest landscape artist. The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark V over moon for Zilverfabriek Voorschoten, and 835 indicating the grade of silver (835/1000). Zilverfabriek Voorschoten is a brand name of Koninklijke Van Kempen & Begeer, founded in 1764 and still in existence today, they moved from Utrecht to Voorschoten in 1858. The Voortrekker Aandenking bowls were made in a v...
A rare solid silver version of the Voortrekker Aandenking (memorial) 1838 - 1938 bowl, in 835 grade silver. The circular bowl with foot is well modeled, with ox wagons on trek, with Boer (farmer) on horse, cattle in the foreground and mountains in the background, framed by trees. The other image is of the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, and in between are two lit candles in a candlestick, surrounded by chains, with Zulu shields above and ox horns below. One candle reads "VOORTREKKER AANDENKING", the other "1838 - 1938". The hallmarks are clear, and include makers mark V over moon for Zilverfabriek Voorschoten, and 835 indicating the grade of silver (835/1000). Zilverfabriek Voorschoten is a brand name of Koninklijke Van Kempen & Begeer, founded in 1764 and still in existence today, they moved from Utrecht to Voorschoten in 1858. The Voortrekker Aandenking bowls were made in a variety of materials, including porcelain, brass and silver plate, the solid silver variant is quite rare. Another example can be see...
An interesting Dutch miniature silver toy chestnut roaster, with the roasting pan suspended from the frame with 3 silver links (the links are not original). The frame is circular with a long handle and pan for holding the embers, the pan has an attractive 6 petalled flower cut in the base to allow airflow. The frame sits on 3 curved feet. The frame has one hallmark on the handle, the Dutch silver "Boars Head", which was used on miniature silver made before 1813, and brought back into trade, as an authorisation to put back into circulation (Houart, Miniature Silver Toys, pg 155). The roasting pan also has a hallmark, the letter V in rectangular shield under a crown, a mark used between 1813 and 1893 on items of foreign made silver (Voet, Nederlandze Goud & Zilverwerken, pg 46 and 61), this is a tax mark. We assume this item was made around 1813, and straddled the change in hallmarking introduced in that year - but welcome other interpretations!
A beautiful pair of antique cast silver grape scissors (zilver druifschaar in Dutch), made in Amsterdam in 1885, these are extremely good quality and a pleasing weight. The scissors have simulated vine branches, with well placed cast vine leaves and bunches of grapes, the blade portion is solid silver as well, no steel pieces. The scissors have 2 vine arms that they rest upon, so are easily accessed when being picked up, a lovely and practical design feature. The silver is 835 grade, as is usual for Dutch silver, as indicated by the lion hallmark with II below it, this hallmark easily visible on the blade. The other hallmarks are hidden in the decoration, but clearly visible, including Dutch Minerva with A for Amsterdam, date letter gothic A for 1885 and makers mark JL under 5 for Jilles Limburg, who worked between 1874 and 1900 (mark 11592 in Netherlands Responsibility Marks since 1797).
A lovely set of 6 miniature silver teacups with matching saucers, both cups and saucers are decorated with a hand engraved zig zag pattern. This is around the rims and centre of the saucers, and both inside and outside the rims of the teacups. All 6 saucers have 2 hallmarks, firstly makers mark "H goblet" in a 6 sided punch, we have not been able to identify the maker (we would welcome assistance, thanks!). All 12 pieces are hallmarked with the Dutch silver sword used on small items, this particular mark was used between 1814 and 1905.
A Dutch antique silver miniature longcase clock (grandfather clock), this is a reproduction of an 18th century clock (staande horloges in Dutch). The clock is richly decorated, the ogee base has 3 panels with boats, a windmill and church spire with houses. The main body is decorated with flowers, foliage and scrolls, the pierced hinged door (with locking mechanism) opens to reveal a pendulum (decorative, not functional). The main clock housing has barley twist front, panelled sides, hinged front piece with clasp (zig -zag to hold glass in place), this swings upwards to allow adjustment of clock hands. The rear has a circular hinged door to access clock mechanism. The top of the clock has 2 cast reclining angels (putti), and 2 winged angels blowing horns standing either side. The central figure is missing (atlas holding a globe which we have seen on other examples). Hallmarks include lion passant (2nd standard purity 833) and makers mark JPH struck on back, Minerva duty mark with A for Amsterdam struck on the ...
A set of four Early Georgian Dutch silver Hanoverian pattern tablespoons, made in Amsterdam in 1754 by Andries Vis. The four tablespoons (also called porridge spoons by the Dutch) have a central rib, and a very strong upturn, enough so it can hang from a finger. The spoons also have a double drop, with a prominent pip at the end of the second drop. The hallmarks are good on all 4 spoons, and include makers mark of a fish for Andries Vis, rampant lion with crown indicating first standard silver (925 sterling quality), town mark for Amsterdam (three crosses under crown) and date letter U for 1754. Andries Vis worked between 1741 and his death in 1799, he is known for his cast figural spoons. He was a very competent silversmith, in addition to spoons he produced teapots and other hollow-ware. His silver is well represented in museum collections, a very similar spoon to these is in the Boijmans museum.
An interesting set of 12 silver ice cream spoons, complete with matching larger ice cream serving spoon, of identical shape. The spoons have a circular flat bowl, with a raised lip on the right hand side to prevent ice cream sliding off. the spoons have a thread border, and pointed terminal, quite an attractive pattern. The back of each spoon is engraved with attractive interlocking initials BS (or SB?) in Gothic style, the B is shaded, the S is not. It is unusual to see initials on the back of spoons from this period, also the initials are 180 degrees from what is usually encountered (these face towards you), so designed to be read when laid on the table face down. The 12 smaller spoons each have 2 marks, the small sword used for small items (between 1906 and 1953) and makers mark V.K followed by a device. the large spoon is fully hallmarked with clear marks, these include makers mark V.K under crescent moon, lion passant over 2 for 833 grade silver, Minerva head duty mark with town letter on helmet (C for T...
A Dutch silver Hanoverian pattern tablespoon and fork, both made in Middelburg in 1771, but by different makers. Both are clearly hallmarked with the Dutch town mark for Middelburg, a double headed crowned eagle, and date letter H FOR 1771, and both have clearly struck makers marks. Both are first grade silver (87.5 %). The tablespoon is by Johannes d'Hoy, and is the traditional Hanoverian shape, with central frontal rib, turn up end, and a long drop. It is a good quality spoon, well made, with some wear from use, and no engraving. It is bottom marked with 3 hallmarks, the town mark and makers mark are clear, the third mark is worn. The makers mark is ID below a theepot (teapot), d'Hoy worked between 1766 and 1786, he was clearly a talented silversmith, examples of his work can be seen in the Rijksmuseum, as well as Museum Boijmans and Utrecht museum. The fork also has a central front rib with turn up end, 4 tines, and also has no engraving. The makers mark of IW above upside down flower could be one of 2 sil...
In our opinion, a 19th century copy of an 18th century Dutch silver miniature chamber pot. This we believe has been cast from an original, the solder line joining the 2 halves of the casting are visible in the interior (although the base could be original?). The interior also has some crack marks, another sign this has been cast. The original would have been a rare item, a very similar miniature chamber pot, currently in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, is depicted in the book "Dutch Silver" by MH Gans, pg 68, bottom right. The maker of the original, Arnoldus van Geffen, was one of the greatest of the Dutch silver miniature makers. Whilst this is probably a copy, it is still well made, and a faithful copy of the original, so would still be a nice addition to a collection. A very similar miniature chamber pot, made in Amsterdam in 1670 by Wessel Jansen, is depicted in the book "Tall and Small, Antique Dutch Silver Miniatures", by the Dutch antique dealers Aardewerk, pg 101, image 226 - which is a book we highly ...
A lovely set of 5 18th century Dutch silver Hanoverian pattern 3 pronged forks, with a matching 6th fork made slightly later by another maker, we assume to replace a loss shortly after they were made. The forks are quite plain and elegant, with turn down ends, and a prominent drop and pip, the "Amsterdam Lofje", characteristic of spoons and forks from Amsterdam. The forks have no engraving or monograms. All the forks have makers mark HK in script for Hendrik Kamerlingh II, who worked between 1730 and 1776, and Amsterdam town mark (crown above 3 crosses). The 6th fork has makers mark HO for Hendrik Overhulsman, who worked between 1790 and 1811, also with Amsterdam town mark. All 6 makers and town marks are slightly squashed, this is usual on 18th century bottom marked flatware as the spoon maker would have re-hammered the stems after return from the assay office, as the stem would bulge when the marks were struck. All 6 forks have an additional hallmark, V in shield under a crown, this is a Dutch tax mark used...
A Dutch silver miniature kettle, circa 1725, by the prolific Frederik I van Strant, who made a large number of miniature silver objects in the course of his career (Houart, Miniature Silver Toys). A very similar kettle also by van Strant can be seen in figure 69 of the book described above. Unfortunately this kettle has lost its original lid, this lid is a replica copy of the lid depicted in the book. The makers mark is very clear, the Amsterdam town mark partially visible, and the assay scrape is also present. An almost identical miniature silver kettle, also by Frederik van Strant circa 1725, is depicted in the book "Tall and Small, Antique Dutch Silver Miniatures" by Aardewerk Antiques of The Hague, pg 153, image 346. We highly recommend this book.
A lovely set of 12 Art Deco Dutch silver knife rests, in excellent condition and a very pleasing weight. They are classic angular Art Deco design, quite pleasing on the eye. All 12 are hallmarked with makers mark V over half moon, and the Dutch silver single sword mark (1906-1953), used on small work. This is the makers mark of Zilverfabriek Voorschoten, a mark used by Koninklijke Van Kempen & Begeer, founded in 1764 and still in existence today. These knife rests would also be suitable for sushi chopsticks.
A Dutch antique silver miniature 6 light chandelier, (kaarsenkroon in Dutch) in the traditional form, with a globe under the candlestick holders intended to reflect the light of the candles. The globe holds six scrolling arms, with applied decorative loops, the sconces with 4 petals. The connecting hook has 3 segments, also with ball decoration, the bottom one fixed and the 2 upper segments have chain links. All 3 pieces of the connecting chain are hallmarked with the Dutch dagger, the chandelier itself is apparently unmarked. The Dutch dagger was used between 1814 and 1905, and indicates a minimum of 833 grade silver. Chandeliers of this form date back to the 17th century, they were also produced as Dutch silver miniatures in the 18th century (see similar example by Arnoldus van Geffen, "Tall and Small Antique Dutch Silver Miniatures, Aardewerk, page 48). Two other examples are depicted in the book "Nederlandse Zilveren Miniaturen, 17de en 18de Eeuw, John Endlich, page 49. They were also reproduced in the 19...
An antique Dutch silver gilt vinaigrette (zilveren lodereindoosje) in the form of an armoire (kabinet). These have also been described as pomanders, scent boxes, and also incorrectly described as snuff boxes and peppermint boxes. The box has a curved shaped front, and the back panel has the impressed words "HE. DAT IS LIEF", translated He that is love", so probably presented as a love token. The armoire has frontal doors with floral decoration, and 3 drawers below, the back and side panels also have floral decoration. The lid is decorated with an angel reaching up to pluck fruit, with trees in the background, the figure is quite crude, almost as if drawn by a young child. The base is engraved with original owners initials HDV. The hallmarks include Lion Passant 2nd Purity for 833 grade silver (inside main box), and the rim has makers mark AM over 3 dots in rectangular punch (or WV below 3 dots), we have not been able to identify this maker, all assistance welcome. The rim also has Minerva head duty mark (off...
An antique Dutch silver gilt vinaigrette (zilveren lodereindoosje) in the form of an armoire (kabinet). These have also been described as pomanders, scent boxes, and also incorrectly described as snuff boxes and peppermint boxes. The box has a curved shaped front, and the back panel has the impressed words "HE. DAT IS LIEF", translated He that is love", so probably presented as a love token. The armoire has frontal doors with floral decoration, and 3 drawers below, the back and side panels also have floral decoration. The lid has an oval panel with seated figure of justice holding sword and scales, surrounded by a wreath. The base is engraved with original owners initials T:V:V, the base also has a clear makers mark of AK under flower (Adrianus Kuijlenburg of Schoonhoven, 1812 -1816, see Nederlands Responsibility Marks since 1797 no 897). The lid has a Minerva head office mark (duty mark), and the box interior rim has the Lion Passant 2nd purity for 833 grade silver and date letter G for 1816. Loderein comes...
Outstanding example of Dutch Art Deco silver, by a highly regarded silversmith and designer Harm Ellens, who executed designs for Hooykaas in the twenties (source Krekel-Aalberse, Art Nouveau and Art Deco Silver). The teapot, cream jug and lidded sugar basin have ebonised wooden handles and finials, in 833 silver. All 3 pieces are a good weight, and pleasing to use. All 3 pieces are fully hallmarked with clear hallmarks, including the teapot and sugarbowl lids. The hallmarks include makers mark HH, Lion Passant for 833 standard silver, (with keymark indicating it was made for export), Perseus duty mark with mint mark M on helmet, indicating Schoonhoven assay office, date letter M for 1922 (source Tardy, International hallmarks). The base of each also has the hallmark M2 and a scratched number 42299.
A lovely 18th century Dutch silver miniature milk jug, baluster shape on 3 scrolling feet, with a wavy rim. It is excellent quality, very well made, and in wonderful condition. It was made by Johannes van Geffen, grandson to Arnoldus van Geffen, the most celebrated of all Dutch miniature silver makers. This jug is identical to a jug depicted in Miniature Silver Toys by Victor Houart, pg 62, even the detail on the legs and handle is identical. The one depicted in the book was made in 1762 by Arnoldus van Geffen, so interesting to see the grandson copying his grandfather's work with such exact detail. The hallmarks are very clear, Amsterdam town mark with date letter Z for 1784, and makers mark of a hunting horn in a heart, topped by a crown for Johannes van Geffen. Johannes worked between 1766 and 1798. This milkjug matches a teapot (S 1576) also made by Johannes van Geffen in 1784. A very similar miniature milk jug, made by Hendrik Duller in 1792, is depicted in the book "Tall and Small, Antique Dutch Silver ...
