Silver miniature botter, J. van Straten, Hoorn, 1898

Silver miniature botter, made by silversmith J. van Straten from Hoorn. Active between 1894 and 1901.

The miniature is hallmarked with the maker's mark VS* and the first standard mark with an export key.

The miniature was exported to Great Britain at the time. Upon arrival in England, foreign silver was legally required to be re-assayed at an English assay office to verify that it met their sterling standard (.925).

Therefore, the miniature botter also bears English hallmarks: S.B.L: This is the registered maker's mark of Samuel Boyce Landeck. He was one of the most important and well-known London importers of fine continental silver (especially Dutch and Hanau silver) between 1891 and 1907. F in a horizontal oval: This is the special foreign import year letter for London. In this specific oval cartouche, the letter F represents exactly the year 1898. Also, the Sheffield city mark and the first standard mark.

This is a sturdy and heavy miniature in good condition.

Weight: 44.4 grams. Dimensions: 10 x 10.5 cm.