Where is this from? How old?

[Jag]

I have what looks to me to be an old spoon. You can see remnants of gold wash in the interior of the bowl and I think also on the tip of the handle. I've owned it for 25 years, bought it from a New England US estate and haven't done any research on it since I can't make any sense of the indecipherable marking on it. I assume it's European? It looks Russian to me? Sorry the mark is so hard to see - I got as close as my camera would let me get. Any ideas to get me started?

http://i929.photobucket.com/albums/ad132/4more/Silver/HPIM1719.jpg

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

[JBA]

It's Scandinavian, probably 17th century Norway. I'll see if I can find the mark, but not a lot to go on there!

Lovely piece anyway.

[Jag]

Thank you for replying so quickly! I've been wondering about this since I bought it. The seller thought it was Russian, but that didn't make sense because of the lack of Russian hallmarks. Do you base the country and age on the design? If so are there similar spoons in any books or online to compare it to?

17th century? Awesome!

So the mark on it would be a makers mark? If you think it would help, I can try to take a picture through a magnifying glass. One of these days I'll get a better camera.

Thanks again.

[oel]

If I use little imagination perhaps I could see the assay mark of Trondheim of midst 18th century ( 1746)

Oel

[JBA]

This particular type of spoon is made in Norway, but there are many similar types which are made all over Scandinavia. I believe this to be a specifically Norwegian design however. I am reasonably certain on this but I should point out that while I've handled quite a lot of Scandinavian silver there are many who know more than I do. I simply have a "working" knowledge of the subject.

I had no luck tracing the mark I'm afraid. More chance, therefore, that it is Norwegian- Denmark and Sweden are much better documented.

[Jag]

Thank you all again. Knowing the country and an indication of its antiquity is huge for me after wondering for 25 years. I will try to take a better picture of the mark this weekend and update when I do. I couldn't find the Trondheim mark in the pages here? Is that available online?

[oel]

Herewith Trondheim




Oel

[Jag]

Here are some closeups, the first two with a jeweler's loupe.

First pic is the stamp. I don't know which way is right side up, so the picture is set up with tip end of the spoon at the top of the picture (I think it looks a little like an animal this way?). Second is a closeup of some of the decorative pattern. Finally is a closeup of the tip end. I am hoping something here may be recognizable. If any other pics would be helpful, I'de be glad to provide some. Thanks again.