SALE PENDING Antique Continental Silver Confiturier Drageoir Urn Covered Bowl w Tremolierstrich !

Silver : Antique : Sterling : Holloware : Bowl

 

A magnificently hand-crafted, Dutch chestnut vase (for roasted chestnuts at Christmas!) or German sugar box (similar in design to a French confiturier or drageoir), circa 1789-1818, complete with its cover and glass liner! The silver stand is decorated in the neo-classical taste of the early French Empire period, with the addition of charming rosettes in medallions above the palmettes and laurel leaves. The handles are bright-cut. The lid is topped with a floral finial. A monogram DHD is found on the lid and base. The hallmarks are nice and clear on the base (Info below). The delicacy of the workmanship is exceptional! Please see the large images for the dimensions and the stunning details.

As shown in the accompanying images, the base of the stand bears the maker’s mark, C*HB (C dot, conjoined HB). This mark matches two different silversmiths: one is the Dutch master Christoffel HARDENBERG, who worked in Amsterdam 1789-1791. (Ref. Citroen, Dutch Goldsmiths’ and Silversmiths’ Marks and Names Prior to 1812, Leiden 2008, p. 30.): the second is J.C. Hildebrandt,circa 1800 - 1818, of Brunswick Lower Saxony (German States). (Ref. Spies, Braunschweiger Goldschmiede)

Also found on the base is a rampant lion facing left and a date letter S. If Dutch, the letter is the Amsterdam date letter for 1801 (Ref. Gans, Goud- en Zilvermerken van Voet, Leiden 1992, p23; Citroen, p. 227). If German, the date is circa 1800-1818 (Ref. Spies). Unfortunately, given its placement on the edge, it is not possible to determine if the lion mark is crowned or not, which would give us the official silver fineness (Citroen, p. 211). But!

Always exciting to find, among its other marks is a Tremolierstrich assay or alderman's mark: a zigzag line left when a small quantity of metal was scraped away to test for silver purity. Since pieces which did not come up to standard were scrapped, the zigzag (or zick zack) line became a guaranty of quality.

Finally, there is a mark on the applied finial, very similar to the French boar’s head, which was likely added later. Or, it could signify that the finial was replaced in France at some later date.

The entire ensemble is in very fine condition. It appears to have its original lid and cut crystal liner. There are no damages to report. The hand-craftsmanship is simply magnificent. A glorious find for the collector, a stunning addition to the holiday table, and a fabulous Christmas gift!

Item ID: 1108-02