Silver miniature birdcage, R. Scheltens, Groningen, c. 1860

Silver miniature of a birdcage on a stand, made by the silversmith R. Scheltens from Groningen. He was active from 1858 to 1889.  

During the 19th century, there was enormous demand among collectors for 'historic silver' from the Golden Age and the 18th century. Silversmiths like Scheltens used old molds from 18th-century Amsterdam masters to recast these popular miniatures and release them as high-quality replicas or collectibles.

A classic, round birdcage with a finely vaulted dome and a hanging loop at the top. Inside the cage is a detailed silver bird on a swinging perch.

The cage is constructed from twisted silver wire and rests on a sleek, smooth silver rim. The whole is placed on an ornate, three-part rococo-style stand with cast scrolled legs.

The miniature is hallmarked with the maker's mark RS2, second-grade assay mark, and the Minerva head.

An important characteristic of Scheltens is that, in addition to the legal Dutch hallmarks (such as the sword mark for the silver content), he often struck historical pseudo-marks. He did this to give his miniatures the appearance of antique 18th-century silver. This miniature also features pseudo-marks.

The miniature is in good condition.

Weight: 28.5 grams. Dimensions: 3 x 8 cm.

Check out the blog about the world of R. Scheltens: The Groningen Silversmith of Historic Silver with Pseudo-Marks here