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Silver ornamental spoon, Adoration of the Christ Child, 19th century

Silver ornamental spoon, Adoration of the Christ Child, 19th century

Regular price €325,00 EUR
Regular price Sale price €325,00 EUR
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This exceptionally large and heavy sterling silver commemorative spoon from the year 1888 is an absolute top-tier item for the collector. The object excels due to its impressive length of no less than 221 mm, a beautifully engraved coat of arms, and an extremely rare religious depiction.

Instead of a standard nautical or allegorical finial, this spoon is adorned with a monumental, openwork plaque beneath a large crown. Depicted in relief is the birth and adoration of the Christ Child. We see Mary and Joseph kneeling by the manger from which divine light radiates, flanked by the shepherds or the Magi from the East. Above the scene is a blank escutcheon, and the base is formed by a large rocaille shell.
The stem itself is a masterful piece of filigree work: a heavy, openwork, and twisted double tendril, decorated in the center with a putto head (cherub) and resting at the bottom on an expressive lion mask.

The reverse of the bowl represents an aesthetic highlight. A razor-sharp, hand-engraved heraldic shield has been applied, featuring a lion rampant with its tongue protruding, set within a hatched shield border.

The reverse of the bowl displays a complete set of British import hallmarks from the late 19th century. At the time, these objects were manufactured in Schoonhoven (attributed to spoon-making specialist Cornelis Rietveld) for direct export and hallmarked immediately upon arrival in Great Britain, meaning Dutch state marks are absent:
  • The sought-after importer's mark 'B.H.J' in a rectangle from the prominent firm B.H. Joseph & Co of Birmingham and London (Barnet Henry Joseph).
  • The British date letter 'N' in a shield, which specifically represents the early year 1888.
  • The official London import mark (the Minerva head in an oval shield).
  • The English Lion Passant for the legally guaranteed sterling silver purity (.925).
  • The crowned Victoria Sovereign Head (duty mark).
Specifications:
  • Silversmith: Cornelis Rietveld (attributed), Schoonhoven (active 1865-1912)
  • Date: 1888 (British date letter N) – an exceptionally early export piece!
  • Importer: B.H. Joseph & Co, London (B.H.J)
  • Hallmarks: Full London import hallmarks (.925 sterling, BHJ, date letter N, Victoria head, Minerva head import mark).
  • Decoration: Crowned openwork finial with Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child; twisted stem with putto and lion's head; hand-engraved coat of arms with lion.
  • Length: 221 mm (monumental, very large piece)
  • Weight: 68.2 grams (heavy, solid quality)
  • Condition: In beautiful, museum-grade condition. All fine details of the nativity scene, the hallmarks, and the engraving have been preserved in razor-sharp condition.
A majestic and rare collector's item for connoisseurs of historical export silver, heraldic engravings, and religious art!
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Silver ornamental spoon, Adoration of the Christ Child, 19th century
Silver ornamental spoon, Adoration of the Christ Child, 19th century
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