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 luxurious silver miniatures. He became world-famous in the antiques world as the specialist in windmills and sailing ships.

The four sails are openwork. The mill features a delicate silver flag at the top of the cap. The cap is equipped with a functional winding mechanism at the rear, which, in reality, would have allowed the cap to be turned into the wind.

The mill can serve as a besamim holder, as the mill's cap can be removed. A besamim is a holder for a fragrant spice mixture. At the end of the Sabbath celebration, the Havdallah 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 silver mark, year letter w for 1906. Additionally, the Minerva head P of Alkmaar and the maker's mark JV hammer are stamped.

The miniature is in perfect condition.

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

Check out the blog about silversmith J. Verhoogt from Hoorn here