Silver miniature watering can, A.F. Westerwaal, Amsterdam, c. 1910

Silver miniature of a watering can, made by the silversmith A.F. Westerwaal from Amsterdam. He was active from 1900-1921.

Westerwaal was known for his detailed silver dollhouse items and miniatures of everyday objects, vehicles, and furniture (such as high chairs, dog carts, coaches, and birdcages).

An extremely charming and detailed miniature watering can with a functional-looking handle, an elegantly curved ear, and a perforated rose (the sprinkler head).

The watering can features refined, hand-engraved arched borders (garland or scale motifs) around the cylinder and on the lid.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, owning an ornamental garden at a mansion or country estate was a sign of wealth. Miniatures of gardening tools, such as watering cans, wheelbarrows, and spades, were collected by the elite to display their love of nature and status in valuable dollhouses or display cabinets.

Precisely because of the watering can's round shapes, the hollow spout, and the tiny holes in the sprinkler head, this type of miniature was the ultimate test of a silversmith's skill. It required extremely fine soldering to perfectly symmetrically attach the spout and handle to the body.

The miniature is marked with the sword mark for at least second-grade silver and the maker's mark A3W.

The miniature is in good condition.

Weight: 12.1 grams. Dimensions: 2 x 3 x 5 cm.

Check here the blog about the silversmith A.F. Westerwaal from Amsterdam