Antiko 800 Silver Hildesheimer Rose Coffee/Demitasse Spoons, Set of 6
Flatware - Demitasse/Coffee Spoons · Antiko (Kohlbecher & Co.), founded in Pforzheim, Germany. A premier manufacturer specializing in traditional German silver patterns for the European market.
Pattern: Hildesheimer Rose (Hildesheim Rose), a classic German floral pattern based on the 1000-year-old rose bush at Hildesheim Cathedral.
Type
Flatware - Demitasse/Coffee Spoons
Maker
Antiko (Kohlbecher & Co.), founded in Pforzheim, Germany. A premier manufacturer specializing in traditional German silver patterns for the European market.
Material
800 Silver (80% purity silver, a standard German grade) with parcel-gilt (gold-washed) bowls to prevent tarnishing from acidic coffee or tea.
Dimensions
Each spoon measures approximately 4.25 inches (11 cm) in length. Total weight for the set of six is approximately 60-75 grams.
Description
A charming set of six German 800 silver coffee spoons in the iconic Hildesheimer Rose pattern. Each spoon features a beautifully detailed rose blossom at the terminal, supported by a delicate openwork handle of twisting briars. The gold-washed bowls provide a warm contrast to the antiqued silver finish, making these a quintessential example of European souvenir and coffee culture flatware.
Key Features
Pierced openwork handles, high-relief rose blossoms, gold-washed bowls, and the specific '800' fineness mark common to Continental silver.
Material & Composition
800 Silver (80% purity silver, a standard German grade) with parcel-gilt (gold-washed) bowls to prevent tarnishing from acidic coffee or tea.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized finish on the handles to highlight the rose relief; Vermeil (gold-washed) bowls. Features Art Nouveau stylized vines and realistic rose blossom finials.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Typically marked '800' for silver purity and 'ANTIKO' or a 'W' in a circle on the back of the neck/handle. Some may include the German state mark (crescent and crown).
Construction Details
Die-struck and cast construction with hand-finishing. The handles feature openwork (pierced) vine motifs, a hallmark of more ornate German flatware.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowls designed for small coffee cups or espresso; gold washing serves as a chemical barrier between the silver and food sulfur.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver openwork handles shaped like entwined rose vines terminating in a full-bloom rose. No mixed materials used.
Craftsmanship Details
Displays excellent die-striking with deep relief. The openwork is clean with minimal flashing, indicating high-quality industrial molds and professional finishing.
Authentication Indicators
Correct hallmark placement for Antiko pieces; typical oxidation patterns in recessed areas of the rose; high-quality casting crispness consistent with German silver standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
Pforzheim, Germany; known as the 'Goldstadt' (Golden City) for its historical jewelry and precious metal industries.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau/Revival Style. While the pattern originated in the 18th century, these specifically reflect the mid-20th-century German manufacturing boom (c. 1950s-style).
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970. The design is traditional, but the production technique and maker 'Antiko' were most prolific in the post-WWII era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Kaffeeklatsch' culture of post-war Germany, where formal coffee service with specialized silverware was a symbol of household hospitality and middle-class stability.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition. Moderate tarnish visible on silver handles (typical of 800 silver). Gold wash shows slight thinning in some bowls. No visible bends or broken vines. Overall Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
$75 - $125 USD for the set, depending on current silver spot prices and the presence of the original presentation box.
Care & Maintenance
Hand wash only in warm soapy water. Use a dedicated silver cream for handles; avoid 'silver dips' as they will strip the gold wash from the bowls. Store in silver cloth.
Similar Pieces
Hildesheimer Rose spoons by Christoph Widmann (usually higher quality/handmade) or Robbe & Berking variants; also similar to Danish floral patterns like S. Christian.
Interesting Facts
The pattern is inspired by the 'Thousand-year Rose' that grows on the wall of the Hildesheim Cathedral, which survived the WWII bombings, becoming a symbol of endurance for Germany.