Mystery Spoon - 1869 - AF - Lady Wings Motif

[natNYC]

A small spoon with an interest organic form.
Marked "1869" on front and then an interesting lady with flowing hair above a winged figure.
The back is marked AF and 13
the spoon measures just 4.25 inches
it looks like there is a gold wash on the spoon part

any info ideas welcome, thank you!

[Theoderich]

I have a fork (from WILKENS) in this style.

[natNYC]

For your wilkens fork, does it have the same three markings: lady, 1869 and on the back?

Thank you!

[doc]

I think this is most likely a Continental piece, and not American coin.

[Theoderich]

It is from Germany.

[Aguest]

Yes I thought Germany candidate most probable. The date of 1869 seems a bit early as this spoon seems much more Art Nouveau style with the flowing lines and the image of the female form. Perhaps this spoon was ahead of its time, artistically. The other image seems like a British Family Crest with wings and a sphere, and how did that get there? This is indeed a mystery spoon, and personally I find it very interesting because the artistry seems of higher quality than most other German spoons I have seen circa 1869.

[Traintime]

Whoa, I'm lost. I don't see flowing hair. I see a dancer, possibly even male, with a swirling ribbon, clothed beneath the waist in tights and maybe soft ballet type shoes. Over the head are Mickey Mouse Ear-like dark circles that remind of a Spanish hat worn by matadors. So how have we concluded Germany and what is this (event?) from 1869.

[Bahner]

Hello and yes, this is a Wilkens pattern from the late 19th century. AF is most likely the retailer. It will be near impossible to find out who, as there is no complete list of German jewellers and goldsmiths of the time. The pattern usually came in 12 Lot, so this is of somewhat better quality. The engraving of the year is quite crudely done, the engraving of the winged person quite expertly. I wonder whether there were two engravers involved, at different times. This is not a coat of arms, so this was not done for a noble family, but possibly for an institution of some kind. No idea, though. Best wishes, Bahner

[silverfan]

I think the pattern was created in England around 1850 by Adam, if I remember well. Later it was issued by Wilkens, Bremen in a similar form under No. 93 (different at the top of the handle) still with the halfmoon as the old mark of Wilkens. I saw the pattern also executed by other makers. AF will be the maker and 13 surely means 13 Loth = 812,5/1000 silver.
Regards silverfan

[Theoderich]

this ist fortuna - like the Coat of Arms from Glückstadt

13 was not usaly for Dresden - but there is an example with 13



I think [AF] is Moritz A. Fickert

[natNYC]

Thank you all so much for your help and insight

[R ingo]

Hello natNYC,

I have bought very similar spoons, with marks of Rudolf Baumann from the city Posen /Poznan in Poland with a fineness from 68,7 %.

It is interesting, that this pattern was made in so different silver alloys. So I think, this pattern was probably produced in different places.


Concerning the engraved family coat of arms with Fortuna on the bowl with sail and wings I found very similar examples from the family "Wetter" in Switzerland.

Kind regards,
Ringo

[Dendriet]

After all these reactions have read, I could not fail to respond.
Unmistakable in this case, I will have more of these, I'm just like all of you a big magpie. :))))))

Hallmark of Austria-Hungary
A = Vienna
Makers mark: M & I (?)
Loth 13
Date 185?

Best regards
Dendriet

[juantotree]

Hi,

I have always known this as the Lily Pattern, as in this pair of 1878 spoons by Henry Holland.

Martin

[R ingo]

Hello,

here an may be interesting appendix.

The same spoons with the same measurements, weights, engraving and makers (or retailers) mark (Rudolf Baumann from the city Posen /Poznan) , but allegedly with different silver alloys.

Happy Easter, Ringo

[silverfan]

It seems that the pattern was designed by George William Adams and the patent of this design certified on 21stof January 1850 by the UK Patent Office.
Regards silverfan

[natNYC]

Super helpful, thank you!

[Goldstein]

Hi -
one more!
viewtopic.php?f=46&t=48751#p147441

Regards
Goldstein

[silverfan]

juantotree is right telling that this flatware commonly is called "Lily pattern". It was created by George William Adams (working 1840-1873) for the World Exhibition London 1851.
Regards silverfan