In our latest blog, we dive like a historical detective into 17th-century Friesland.
In his latest essay, researcher Peter De Reijke unravels the mystery surrounding two previously completely unknown maker's marks from Harlingen silversmiths: Harmen Jansz Vijselaer and Martinus Jelles Beyldewijl.
Using a beautifully decorated silver wedding box (knottedoosje) and a mysterious child's cup with an 'eye' as a mark, this research brings the rich maritime history of Harlingen and the Frisian Admiralty to life. Moreover, the author makes a passionate plea for 'methodical speculation' to get historical research moving again.
What will you discover in this blog?
- The secret of the wedding box: How a unique silver box featuring Neptune symbolism was linked to the young naval hero Tjerk Tjerks de Vries and silversmith Harmen Jansz Vijselaer.
- The master of the eye: Why a child's cup from 1697 with an eye-shaped mark was most likely forged by Martinus Jelles Beyldewijl, a smith who grew up in Lemmer near the iconic inn 'Het oog in 't zeil'.
- The rescued hallmark rights: How the Harlingen goldsmiths' and silversmiths' guild struggled in the 1680s to retain enough masters to avoid losing their official city hallmark.
- Daring to speculate: Why controlled speculation and the formulation of hypotheses are indispensable for filling gaps in our historical knowledge.
Are you ready to look through the eyes of the silversmiths and naval heroes of yore?
With thanks to Peter de Reijke.
