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Silver commemorative spoon, R.S. Zijlstra, Drachten, 1836

Silver commemorative spoon, R.S. Zijlstra, Drachten, 1836

Regular price €215,00 EUR
Regular price Sale price €215,00 EUR
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An exceptionally beautiful and historically interesting Frisian silver ceremonial spoon, made in 1836 by the sought-after silversmith Riekele Sytzes Zijlstra from Drachten.
This richly decorated masterpiece showcases sublime Frisian craftsmanship and features a beautiful, period-appropriate stipple engraving on the back.

The spoon immediately stands out due to the very detailed cast and openwork finial at the end of the handle: an elegant horseman with a characteristic hat and historical attire. The twisted stem is wrapped with a subtle string of pearls or snake detail. The transitions on the stem are decorated with an elegant dolphin or sea monster ornament and an expressively cast mask/cherub head that flows into a generous, egg-shaped bowl.

On the flat back of the rider finial there is a beautiful, handmade stipple engraving with the initials and year:
"R : A : 1837"
As the spoon was officially hallmarked in 1836, this engraving was applied a year later. This makes it a tangible historical document, most likely given as an exclusive wedding, birth, or commemorative gift within a Frisian family.

The spoon is remarkably complete, with sharp and deep hallmarks from the official Dutch silver assays:
  • Maker's Mark: The rare mark R Z above the number 10 in a square, the official mark of R.S. Zijlstra (active in Drachten between 1835 and 1861). This mark is beautifully struck deep (see detail photo).
  • Fineness Mark: Running Lion with a 2 in a hexagon (for 2nd grade silver, .833).
  • Assay Office Mark: Minerva head with the office letter F (Leeuwarden).
  • Date Letter: The razor-sharp struck letter B for the production year 1836.
Specifications:
  • Material: 2nd grade silver (.833)
  • Maker: Riekele Sytzes Zijlstra
  • Place of origin: Drachten (Friesland)
  • Dating / Date Letter: B = 1836 (Engraving: 1837)
  • Weight: 52.8 grams (solid, heavy quality)
  • Length: 20.7 cm (207 mm)
  • Condition: In excellent antique condition. The silver has a beautiful high-contrast patina around the casting and hallmarks, which wonderfully accentuates the depth and sharpness of the details.
A beautiful showpiece and an absolute top investment for the serious collector of Frisian regional silver, historical commemorative spoons, and silver from Smallingerland/Drachten.
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Silver commemorative spoon, R.S. Zijlstra, Drachten, 1836
Silver commemorative spoon, R.S. Zijlstra, Drachten, 1836
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