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Gilt silver birth spoon, Widow J. Fennema, Leeuwarden, 1852

Gilt silver birth spoon, Widow J. Fennema, Leeuwarden, 1852

Regular price €295,00 EUR
Regular price Sale price €295,00 EUR
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Are you looking for a refined piece of Frisian silverware full of symbolism and a complete family story?
This magnificent, gold-plated silver birth spoon is a wonderful example of 19th-century silversmithing from Leeuwarden. Crafted by the renowned Widow of J. Fennema, this spoon exudes class, craftsmanship, and history.

Along the outside of the bowl is an extremely skillfully applied historical inscription that fully reveals the provenance of this family heirloom:
"1812 The 14th of December was born Brechtje Jans Zijsling"
This is a fascinating historical detail: the spoon itself was hallmarked in 1852, but commemorates the birth of Brechtje from 1812. This indicates that the spoon was commissioned as an important commemorative gift within the Frisian Zijsling family exactly 40 years later, possibly on the occasion of a wedding, an important anniversary, or the settlement of an inheritance.

The spoon is striking for its exceptionally graceful and detailed ornaments:
  • Finial: The finial of this spoon is an extremely graceful and detailed allegorical representation of the Dutch Maiden as Liberty
  • Ornaments: Directly below the figure is an openwork sun or wheel motif, after which the stem transitions into a refined, hand-engraved garland and leaf motif.
  • Cherub head: The transition from the stem to the bowl is adorned with a characteristic, three-dimensional cast cherub head.
  • Finish: The spoon is entirely fire-gilded (vermeil), which gives the silver a warm, deep golden glow and perfectly highlights the engraved details.

The spoon is sharp as new and fully hallmarked on the back and the attachment of the bowl:
  • Maker's mark: WF192, Widow of J. Fennema (Leeuwarden, active from 1848).
  • Year letter: s (for the year 1852).
  • Purity mark: Walking lion with a '2' (second-grade silver, .833).
  • Assay mark: Minerva head (with office letter in the helmet).
  • Weight: 51.7 grams.
  • Length: 20 cm.

This birth spoon is in excellent, authentic condition. The fire-gilding has retained its deep, warm color, the casting of the female figure is razor-sharp, and the historical silver hallmarks are beautifully legible. A masterpiece for the connoisseur of small Frisian silverware.
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Gilt silver birth spoon, Widow J. Fennema, Leeuwarden, 1852
Gilt silver birth spoon, Widow J. Fennema, Leeuwarden, 1852
€295,00/ea
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