Miniature windmill, besamim holder, J. Verhoogt, Hoorn, 1906

Silver miniature of a mill (smock mill), made by the silversmith J. Verhoogt from Hoorn. Active from 1896 to 1936.

Jan (Johannes) Verhoogt started as a knife sharpener, later specializing entirely in luxury silver miniatures. He became world-renowned in the antique world as the leading specialist in windmills and sailing ships.

The four sails are openwork. The mill features a fine silver flag on top of the cap. The cap is equipped with a functional cogwheel at the back, which in reality could be used to turn the cap into the wind.

The mill can serve as a besamim holder, as the cap of the mill can be removed. A besamim is a holder for a fragrant spice mixture. At the end of the Sabbath celebration, the Havdalah is recited. Wine and spices are used to lighten the sorrowful soul. The besamim is passed around to everyone. Everyone then smells these fragrant spices to conclude the Sabbath and start the new week well. Besamim is Hebrew and means spices.

The mill is hallmarked with the second-grade mark, year letter 'w' for 1906. Also struck are the Minerva head 'P' for Alkmaar and the master's mark 'JV hammer'.

The miniature is in perfect condition.

Weight: 48 grams. Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 10 cm.