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Silver decorative spoon with VOC ship, Gebr. Niekerk, Groningen, 1912

Silver decorative spoon with VOC ship, Gebr. Niekerk, Groningen, 1912

Regular price €375,00 EUR
Regular price Sale price €375,00 EUR
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This exceptionally large and heavy, second-grade silver commemorative spoon from the year 1912 is an absolute rarity. The object weighs no less than 83.1 grams and has an impressive length of 217 mm. What makes this piece truly unique is the repoussé depiction in the bowl, directly inspired by one of the most beloved paintings of the Hague School.

Instead of a traditional smooth bowl, the inside of this generous spoon bowl is executed as a breathtaking work of art in relief. A deep, highly detailed scene has been hammered into it: a woman carrying a child on her back; this design is a direct, masterful homage to the world-famous painting 'Children of the Sea' (1872) by Jozef Israëls. To the right in the background, a flat-bottomed fishing boat (bomschuit) sails on the waves.

The handle is crowned by a beautifully cast, fully three-dimensional historical sailing ship (three-master) with puffed sails and delicately pierced rigging. The ship rests on a richly pierced rocaille lattice. The twisted, partially openwork handle is decorated at the base with an expressively cast mask, positioned directly above the junction with the spoon bowl.

The back of the spoon shows a fantastically sharp and complete series of hallmarks from the heyday of premium Groningen silver:
  • Silversmith: The official maker's mark 'N 2 in a rectangle' of the renowned Gebroeders Niekerk, active in Groningen between 1902 and 1927 and known for their absolute top-quality serving and luxury silver.
  • Dutch Lion (2): The hallmark for second-grade silver (.833).
  • Minerva head with the letter 'F': The assay office mark of Leeuwarden, where this Northern Dutch spoon was officially hallmarked.
  • Year letter 'C': The exact date mark specifically representing the year 1912.
  • HOLLAND hallmark: The rare, additionally struck export or origin guarantee mark 'HOLLAND' in a rectangle. There is also a small repetition mark (Minerva head with office letter E) on the sail of the ship.
Specifications:
  • Silversmith: Gebr. Niekerk, Groningen (active 1902-1927)
  • Assay Office: Leeuwarden (Minerva head F)
  • Dating: 1912 (Year letter C)
  • Hallmarks: Maker's mark (N 2), Lion 2 (.833), Minerva head F, year letter C (1912) and HOLLAND mark.
  • Decoration: Three-dimensional sailing ship; relief bowl with children playing, based on a Jozef Israëls painting; twisted handle with mask.
  • Length: 217 mm (monumental, very large specimen)
  • Weight: 83.1 grams (extraordinarily heavy, solid quality)
  • Condition: In fabulously beautiful, display-worthy condition. All fine details of the ship, the subtle features in the spoon bowl, and the extensive series of hallmarks are perfectly preserved.
A majestic and rare collector's item for connoisseurs of premium Groningen silver, the Hague School, and maritime art!
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Silver decorative spoon with VOC ship, Gebr. Niekerk, Groningen, 1912
Silver decorative spoon with VOC ship, Gebr. Niekerk, Groningen, 1912
€375,00/ea
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