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Hello All. Can anyone help establish the date of this openwork vase? It is marked for 2nd standard Dutch silver, makers mark R below a hammer (ST Reitsma?), a key stamp, and a capital letter T (not in a shield). There is another mark (possibly a date letter) partly obscured by the key. Would be grateful for any information. Thanks John

Hi Joho,


The unclear mark is the export key wrongly stamped. The beard of the key pointing away of the standard mark instead of towards the standard mark. Lion passant above 2: standard mark silver .833 fineness (1814-1953) with export key: mark to indicate 2/3 duty restitution upon export valid 1853 till 1953.
The maker's mark capital R under a hammer could be for; S.T. Reitsma Sr. registered in Lemmer & Sneek from 1814 till around/after 1857. The year letter and assay office letter or Minerva head are perhaps hidden in the decoration. Please check the pomander. We can assume, if made by S.T. Reitsma, the pomander to be made between 1853-1857. On the other hand we could be looking at the maker's mark capital R under a hammer for; Gebr. S & H. Reitsma, registered in Sneek 1892/1948. The year letter is of importance to make sure who is the maker.


Peter.

Many thanks Peter. Any idea what the letter T is for?

John

Not sure but perhaps done by the retailer/importer.
I will check if the maker's mark is for S.T. Reitsma or for the brothers Reitsma.


Peter

Hi Joho,

What you call pomander vase is actually a little spoon vase. Spoon vase in the Revival style which started around 1890 and characteristic for the brothers S. & H. Reitsma, Sneek 1892/1948.
Best,
Peter


Gratitude:
Jan Schipper
http://www.zilverstudie.nl

Many thanks Peter. I had no idea that it was for spoons!!

Regards
John