Help with identifying Dutch markings

[bchmtn]

I am so pleased to have found this very informative site. I look forward to finding out information on several pieces that are part of a 200-piece collection of tea strainers, tea balls and tea infusers. Perhaps I will have some information to share with others. I hope so!

The strainer that is pictured is said to be a Dutch piece. Although I think I have identified the mark of the Minerva head, I cannot confirm whether the "M" specifying the date is 1846 or 1922. I have no clue about the "VR" or possibly "VB" mark on the front of the handle. I suppose it is the mark of the maker. I wish I could tell him or her what a fantastic artist he or she is. What a fun piece. You can see why I want to know as much as possible about it. Thanks for whatever infor any of you can provide!

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

[oel]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum.
Dutch strainer, all the marks are a little malformed but I believe the date letter to be the M for the year 1846. The maker’s mark malformed but could be VB in a rectangle for; Volkert Brouwer with shops in the cities of Deventer, Zwolle and Kampen, date registered 1828/1865.
The standard mark the Dutch lion is not shown at any of your images.


Oel

[bchmtn]

Thank you Oel! You are correct. I did not find the standard Dutch lion that I can identify. There are couple of obscure marks that I cannot identify. I am including pictures of them now. If you think either of them could be a mark rather than part of the decoration, please let me know and I will try to get better pictures. Thanks again! Tom

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

[oel]

Hi Tom,

Standard mark not shown could be hidden somewhere in the decoration or lost. To prevent forgery of the hallmarks, those were spread over the parts of the object.


Oel

[bchmtn]

Thank you Oel. This is a very elaborately decorated piece. I will take a jeweler's loop and give it a close look and see if I can find anything that may look like the lion passat. I wills end pictures if I do. Thanks, again for your insight. Tom

[bchmtn]

Oel! I found it!!! You were right on. It was hidden on the side in part of the decorative area, completely away from the other markings. Here ya go with the pics:

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

http://s1221.photobucket.com/albums/dd4 ... inypic.jpg

[oel]

Well done and Lion Passant for 2nd standard; 833/1000 fineness or 83.3% pure silver.


Best,

Oel

[bchmtn]

Trev,

I thank you for the confirmation. Wow, this is fun to uncover the secrets of the silver artists!! I am sure to have even more hidden that I will be asking about!

Regards,

Tom