Finnish serving spoons

[mk209]

Just thought I'd share these as Finnish items are hard to get hold of, I was lucky enough to find a full set of 6 serving spoons! Based on the thread pattern but with interesting extra design that I haven't seen before.




Matt

[AG2012]

Hi,
The maker should be Olof Robert Lundgren,Turku.
Mid 19th century.
There are very knowledgeable members of the forum in regard of Finnish silver and I hope you will have full info soon.
Cheers.

[Qrt.S]

Yes, the master is Olof Robert Lundgren, active in Turku in south west Finland 1821-1882. Your spoons are made in 1856 and the pattern is called Palmes Swedois. It is an old relatively common European rococo patter. The fineness is 13 loth.

[AG2012]

Hi Qrt.S,
I find Turku letter very interesting. People not familiar with bilingual name of Turku might wonder why letter ``A`` with the line above it. My assumption is the letter is actually the combination of ruotsalainen O i.e. ``A`` with a ring for Åbo and the line above would indicate Finnish name of the city. If I am right, it`s very ingenious solution in bilingual history of Turun kaupunki.
Best wishes

[Qrt.S]

@AG2012

Actually we are out of topic, but.... The history of the town crest of Turku in Swedish Åbo is a bit "unclear". Some people claim that it is the first letter of the Latin name of Turku i.e. Aboa. Some others claim that it is actually two letter AM standing for Ave Maria being the so called Mariamonogram. The old cathedral in Turku is you see sanctified to virgin Maria, A quotation from 1292 states "Cathedralis ecclesia beatae Mariae Aboensis". It is a too long story to be explained here. Anyway, compare it with the town crest of Västerås in Sweden.

[AG2012]

Thank you.
Was interested in the meaning of Turku town letter.
Have a nice weekend