Silver purse clasp with purse hook, R. Tania, Leeuwarden, ca. 1785

Frisian silver purse clasp with purse hook. This silver purse clasp is attributed to Rintje Tania or Tanja (Voet 1974 no. 527, Voet B 149). He became a master craftsman in Leeuwarden in 1782 and moved to Berlikum in 1790. He skipped his mark and applied it to another maker's mark. This was often done when the item was sold by another silversmith. The purse clasp was probably originally made by Johannes Feddema from Leeuwarden. He worked from 1780 to 1825. One of his marks was "IF" under a crown. (Not recorded in Elias Voet, but Citroen 1974 no. 529)

The bag hook bears the mark of Jippe Klases Smedema (Voet 384) from Dokkum. He was active from 1781 to 1832.

The bag handle and hook are also marked with the tax mark V and the crowned O. (Dutch tax-free mark 1807)

The bag handle features a beautifully engraved scene of a farm, depicting the milking of a cow, the transport of milk, the churning of butter, and the making of cheese.

The bag hook features a female figure with a bird and an anchor. The bird symbolizes the soul, the anchor hope.

The bag handle has signs of previous restoration; see also the photos.

Weight: 191 grams. Dimensions: 18 x 19 cm.