SIlver spoon prob. Belgium 1814-31 - Maker ?

[anikopol]

Hi all,

Here is a small (and light) silver spoon and its two marks.
The spoon was probably originally gilted, but most of the gold disapeared.





Based on Tardy book, I guess that the flower's mark is the "garantie des petits ouvrages" for 1814-31 in Belgium, which seems consistent with the design of the spoon ("drop of water" form).
Unfortunatly, it seems that this mark dedicated to small items does not include indication of the city were it was controlled.
I suppose that a significant part of Belgian silver, at that time (1st part of the 19c), was produced in Brussels.
To be honest, I do not know to which extend cities like Antwerp, Gant, Bruggen (Bruges), Namur were active in Silver market.

The second mark, which is possibly a partial one, is very probably a D letter.
I suppose that it is a maker's mark.

Based on these marks, does any specialist (or more experienced than me in relating silver from this region of the world) of Belgian silver could suggest a silversmith ?

Thanks for your help !

[oel]

Hi Anikopol,
See the marks of Southern Netherlands 1814-1842. This particular mark has been used in the present Belgium until March 1st 1832 and in the assay offices Maastricht and Luxemburg until March 1st 1842. Date letters have not been used.
For information about the marks of Southern Netherlands 1814-1842 see;
viewtopic.php?t=32028

Finding who the master mark D belonged to is a challenge. This letter D appears not to be in a particular frame shape.
I could not find a match with a Dutch silversmith so quickly. As for the Belgian silversmiths no match, only that Jean Francois Desprets silversmith and gun maker used a letter D, born in the city of Ath ca. 12.6.1762, died in Brussels 14-7-1845, active in Brussels 1827-> 1835.



Peter.

Source; Van Dievoet, Walter, Répertoire général des orfèvres et des marques d'orfèvrerie en Belgique /.
Other title: Algemeen repertorium van de edelsmeden en van de merken van edelsmeedwerk in België General index of Belgian goldsmith silversmiths and hallmarks, Allgemeines Verzeichnis der belgischen Gold- und Silberschmiede und der Merkzeichen part II 1798-1942. WaarborgHolland, Gouda 2009, Waarborgholland, ˜Netherlands' Responsibility Marks since 1797.

[anikopol]

Hi Peter,

Thanks a lot for your post.
Since Belgium was legally created in 1830, I was a bit suprised that Tardy book simply show this garantee mark in the "Belgium" chapter, without specify and avert the reader that it could be considered as a Dutch mark, that applied at that time in the modern Belgium area (but also to other modern area).
Your post, I should say your article regarding marks of Southern Netherlands 1814-1842 is very interesting, thank you.

I understand that identification of the maker mark is not so easy.
Interesting to note that Jean Francois Desprets used a D mark, during the appropriate period, but if it is known as an silversmith and gun maker, that may rise some doubts, even if some makers, in every business, can offer or sell other items than their "core" business.

I know a libray that own the Van Dievoet's book Répertoire général des orfèvres et des marques d'orfèvrerie en Belgique, I will have a look at it (even if, unfortunatly, it shows drawings of marks instead of pictures (if I am correct).
As all silver fans knows, to draw very precisely a silver mark is very difficult, and (good) pictures are in most cases much better.
I like to recall as a proof that Henry Nocq, autor of a reference book for Parisian silversmith marks (Le Poinçon de Paris, répertoire des maîtres-orfèvres de la juridiction de Paris depuis le Moyen âge jusqu'à la fin du dix-huitième siècle ), was formed as an engraver and medaillist.
When you look to some maker marks, and then to the related drawing published by Nocq, you can be very surprised !