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InterestingApostle spoon - help indentifying maker and date?
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:54 am
by goargent
Can anyone share their thoughts on the maker/age of this piece?
The design to the back is scrolling Shamrocks, the bowl bears a very worn hallmark to the front whcih may be a crowned Leapords head, or it could be a crowned harp.
I think it may be from around the early 1700's?
Thanks in Advance.
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:02 am
by goargent
sorry, forgot to add the image of the mark to the bowl - could it be York? I am baffled!
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:05 pm
by admin
The BM is the British sponsor's mark of Berthold Muller, an importer of German made silver. The other mark is shown on side, when viewed upright it is the Gothic N maker's mark of Neresheimer of Hanau, Germany. It is slightly double stamped so a little difficult to read. Your spoon would date to the very late 19th century at its earliest. If you search the forum for Neresheimer, you will find a fair amount of info on the firm.
Regards, Tom
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:55 pm
by blakstone
Fun fact: The finial here depicts Saint Eligius (French: St. Eloi) patron saint of goldsmiths. He is traditionally shown thus, as a bishop with his mitre and crozier, and holding a miniature church in his right hand. The church is of chased gold (figuratively speaking), representing both his talents as a goldsmith and the many churches he founded as a missionary.
Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2008 3:12 pm
by goargent
Thanks everyone, i am learning everyday!