Rabbanus Raaben II from Boxmeer

[R ingo]

Hello,

I have a question about a spoon made by Rabbanus Raaben II, from Boxmeer in North Brabant. In the internet I found the same mark with the date 1773 - 1786.
Is this date correct? The form of the bowl looks a little younger, more like about 1800.

I would be glad, if someone can tell me more about the maker.

Kind regards,
Ringo

[oel]

Hi Ringo


Citroen; Dutch goldsmiths’and silversmithes’ marks and names prior to 1812; mentions RR for Rabbanus Raaben II Boxmeer 1773-1786.
City of Boxmeer; the goat mark
Lion rampant; the Arms of ‘de Heren van Bergh



Please compare with the marks on your spoon. City mark, your goat looks a bit stretched, and the maker’s mark RR does look a little off. However are the marks genuine? I am not sure but please judge yourself.

Regards,
Oel

[R ingo]

Hello oel,

I thank you very much for your help.

Kind regards,
Ringo

[oel]

Hi Ringo,

Your question; the form of the bowl looks a little younger, more like about 1800, has made me do a little more digging.

According to Citroen; Dutch goldsmiths ’and silversmiths’ marks and names prior to 1812, mentions:
RR for: Rabbanus Raaben I in combination with city mark of Boxmeer, between 1700-1727
RR for: Rabbanus Raaben II in combination with city mark of Boxmeer, between 1773-1786
RR. for: Rutger J. Raaben in combination with assay office city of Grave, (hall) marks used 1807-1811 during Kingdom of Holland.

What I dug up:
Rabanus Raab (1654-ca.1740) silversmith in Kalkar (Germany) also known as Raab I (or Raab Sr.), we can assume he worked in Boxmeer, as mentioned by Citroen; Rabbanus Raaben I, 1700-1727 or perhaps longer up till his dead ca. 1740. (Distance between Kalkar and Boxmeer ca. 33KM). Literature mentions a son of Raab I, called Rutger Raab working as silversmith using maker's mark RR but also he is mentioned to be surgeon working in the city of Boxmeer.
Raab I his grandson is known as Rabanus Raab II (or Raab Jr.) (1721-1786), working as silversmith in the city of Boxmeer. Citroen mentions; Rabbanus Raaben II to be working in Boxmeer 1773-1786 but I believe we may assume he worked prior 1773.
Rutger J. Raaben, as mentioned by Citroen, again his family name might have been spelled wrong because in the book; Netherlands ‘Responsibility marks from 1797 it mentions: Rutger Joseph Raab or Rutger Joseph Rabe, registered in the city of Boxmeer and Grave, 1811-1827 and his maker’s mark in the French style; J.RR in a lozenge. We may assume Rutger J. Raab used the maker’s mark RR and in combination with the city guild mark of Boxmeer, prior 1807 and Rutger J. Raab could be the son of Rabanus Raab II.
I believe your spoon to be made by Rutger J. Raab, born 1757- active 1827, made around 1800.

Best,

Peter.

[R ingo]

Hi Peter,

I apologise for the late answer. I thank you very much for your interesting informations!

Best regards,
Ringo