Large Hamburg basting spoon

[rat-tail]

Hi All - information from the forum shows this to be Hamburg and attributed to August Conradt Kohlmes II working a staggering 70 years 1733 to 1803. Am hoping an expert could help narrow it down by the assayer's mark, only thing is the letter is partially rubbed, looks like a D. Spoon measures 37cm, bowl measure 12 x 7cm, weighs about 180 grams. No loth marking, so am unsure whether 12 or 13. The engraving on the handle and the reverse of the bowl - could this be original or a late 19th century addition. Some wear to the edges of the bowl and the handle to be expected, but has some considerable charm. Any info appreciated. - Thanks frank

[Hose_dk]

engraving is original.
Other questions I cannot help.

[rat-tail]

Thanks Hose_dk - appreciate it

[Theoderich]

Nice - I have the other spoon :-)

ACK could also be the father
August Conrad Kohlmes I
he was also the "Ältermann" with Letter D since 22.11.1760.
He died on 19.6.1784 but his widow continued the workshop - she died 1799

[rat-tail]

Thanks Theoderich - glad to know this spoon has a big brother.
Forgive my ignorance of Hamburg marking conventions, but if it is bearing the stamp of August Conrad Kohlmes as Altermann, it would therefore date to between 1760 and 1784, and presumably because it bears the stamp of the alderman it would guarantee the silver standard of 13 loth. More interesting, was it possible for an Atlermann to assay his own work? - regards Frank

[dognose]

Hi Frank,

Although somewhat later, this post gives a little insight into the Hamburg Guilds: viewtopic.php?f=38&t=26389

Trev.

[Theoderich]

in most town in Noth Germany 13 Loth was not usual - more usual was 12 Loth

silverport from this forum has written this article (german) about the alloy of silver from Hamburg
about 1770 was the alloy in Hamburg 12 Loth

http://silberpunze.piranho.de/index.php ... &Itemid=12

[rat-tail]

Gentlemen - many thanks for the info
regards Frank