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Silver miniature jug, H. Hooijkaas, Schoonhoven, 1891

Silver miniature jug, H. Hooijkaas, Schoonhoven, 1891

Regular price €135,00 EUR
Regular price Sale price €135,00 EUR
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Are you looking for an absolute masterpiece for your silver collection?

This magnificent antique silver miniature milk jug is not only a prime example of fabulous craftsmanship, but also tells a fascinating historical story about the international silver trade in the 19th century through its exceptionally rich hallmarks. The object was crafted in 1891 by the famous Schoonhoven silver factory H. Hooijkaas.

The tapered jug is executed in a richly decorated Renaissance style. The body is adorned throughout with fine embellishments, garlands, masks, and three characteristic oval medallions in which detailed portrait busts in profile are depicted. The jug features a sharply formed, bird-beak-shaped spout, an elegantly crafted scroll handle, and rests steadily on three graceful claw feet. The top rim is chicly finished with a twisted cable border.

What makes this object truly unique for collectors is the abundance of official and historical hallmarks. Located on the flat base and the body are, among others:
  • The walking lion with a 1 (Dutch first-grade silver, .925 sterling silver – exceptional for miniatures, which were usually made in second-grade silver).
  • The Minerva head with the letter M (assay office Schoonhoven).
  • The sharp year letter G for the year 1891.
  • The rare export key, the official Dutch stamp applied at the time to silverware intended for abroad to demonstrate that export duties had been paid.
  • A series of historical pseudo-hallmarks (including a crowned 'O', a city coat of arms, and a guild hallmark) with which Hooijkaas gave the object the allure of antique 17th-century guild silver.
  • A full set of English import hallmarks, including the crowned F (Foreign import mark), the lion passant (sterling guarantee), and the London year letter, proving that this piece was indeed exported to and hallmarked in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century. There is also a small re-assay sword mark on the handle.
With a substantial weight of no less than 30.8 grams, this small masterpiece feels surprisingly heavy, solid, and high-quality. A rare opportunity for the serious collector of antique Dutch miniature silver!

Specifications:
  • Product: Antique first-grade silver miniature milk jug on feet
  • Silversmith: H. Hooijkaas (Schoonhoven)
  • Year: 1891 (Year letter G)
  • Grade: First-grade silver (.925 Sterling)
  • Hallmarks: Walking lion 1, Minerva head M, Year letter G, Export key, Maker's mark LL, Pseudo-hallmarks, English import hallmarks & sword mark
  • Weight: 30.8 grams
  • Dimensions: 5 cm high x 4.5 cm wide (including handle and spout)
  • Condition: In breathtaking, completely original antique condition with razor-sharp details and a beautiful patina
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Silver miniature jug, H. Hooijkaas, Schoonhoven, 1891
Silver miniature jug, H. Hooijkaas, Schoonhoven, 1891
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