Silver serving spoon, J. Kooiman, Schoonhoven, 1866

Silver serving spoon, made by the silversmith Jacob Kooiman. He was a skilled silversmith, active in the Dutch silver city of Schoonhoven. His company used the maker's mark JK1 (or variants) in the period from 1881 to 1893.

Jacob Kooiman (Jacobszoon) was active as an independent master silversmith in the latter part of the 19th century. Craftsmanship was deeply rooted in the family; his grandfather Adrianus G. Kooiman laid the foundation for the family business, which was later continued by Jacob's mother (under the name Wed. A.G. Kooiman) and then by the brothers.

Around 1866, the production year of your spoon, the silver industry in Schoonhoven was known for its high-quality craftsmanship. Jacob Kooiman excelled in manufacturing traditional 'small and large silver' cutlery and luxurious scoops. His work, including this spoon, is characterized by refined Biedermeier engravings, elegantly undulating 'loderein' borders or contour bands, and a very solid construction. This type of handcrafted silverwork was a status symbol for the well-to-do bourgeoisie in the 19th century.

The spoon has a characteristic, pointed and deep bowl with a subtly scalloped or ribbed edge at the top. This shape is ideal for serving pastries, compote, or berries.

The serving spoon is hallmarked with maker's mark JK1, Minerva head M for Schoonhoven, second standard mark, and year letter g for 1866.

The spoon is in excellent condition.

Weight: 56.8 grams. Length: 24 cm.