B. Bohrmann Nachfolger German 800 Silver Oval Serving Platter / Tray
Hollowware (Platter/Tray) · B. Bohrmann Nachfolger, a notable German silversmith or retailer based in Frankfurt am Main.
Pattern: Plain oval serving platter with a classic, understated rim, typical of formal European dining service ware.
Type
Hollowware (Platter/Tray)
Maker
B. Bohrmann Nachfolger, a notable German silversmith or retailer based in Frankfurt am Main.
Material
800 Standard Silver (.800 purity), containing 80% pure silver and 20% alloy metals (typically copper) for durability, conforming to traditional German silver standards.
Dimensions
Large oval serving tray, estimated around 35-45 cm in length, with a substantial weight typical of high-quality European hollowware service platters.
Description
An elegant and substantial German 800 silver oval serving platter featuring a smooth, reflective well and a gently sloped wide rim. Stamped clearly on the underside with the Frankfurt silversmith/retailer identification B. Bohrmann Nachfolger and the mandatory German 800 purity and crescent-and-crown marks. It exhibits the robust quality and refined utility prized in European formal dining settings.
Key Features
Clear retailer and maker stamping, authentic German crescent and crown with 800 silver standard, classic minimalist oval hollowware design.
Material & Composition
800 Standard Silver (.800 purity), containing 80% pure silver and 20% alloy metals (typically copper) for durability, conforming to traditional German silver standards.
Finish & Decoration
Polished smooth silver surface with a wide, slightly stepped rim and clean, minimalist lines typical of early to mid-20th-century European tableware.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped with the retailer or maker mark 'N. OOMS', the company stamp reading 'B. BOHRMANN / 800 FRANKFURT A/M / NACHFOLGER', along with a tiny crescent moon and crown standard mark denoting German manufacture of at least 800 purity.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed or raised sheet silver construction with reinforced rim edges, finished with hand-buffed polishing.
Functional Features
Designed as a formal dining table serving platter for meats, roasts, or side dishes, featuring a central recessed well to hold juices and a wide rim for secure carrying.
Handle & Grip Details
Integrated rim handles; the broad, smooth border serves as a natural, ergonomic grip when lifting and passing the tray.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-formed sheet silver with clean execution, precise stamp impressions, and a well-balanced, sturdy form designed for decades of daily service use.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the official German imperial crescent and crown mark alongside the numeric '800' standard and clear maker/retailer typography strongly supports authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Frankfurt am Main, Germany, produced by the successors (Nachfolger) of the Bohrmann workshop, reflecting traditional German silversmithing excellence.
Era & Period
Late 19th to Mid-20th Century, consistent with German silver manufacturing standards established by the German Imperial Crown and Crescent trademark laws introduced in 1888.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1940, based on the typography of the stamp and the legal requirement for the German crown and crescent hallmarks.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal dining traditions of Central Europe, where high-grade silver hollowware was an essential component of bourgeois and aristocratic hospitality and status display.
Condition Notes
Very Good vintage condition. The surface shows expected fine micro-scratches and surface wear consistent with age and gentle polishing use, with no major dents, structural cracks, or repairs.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $300 and $700 USD, driven primarily by the silver weight value, the reputable German origin, and current collector demand for functional antique hollowware.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a gentle, non-abrasive silver polish and a soft microfiber cloth. Store in an anti-tarnish cloth bag or a controlled, low-humidity environment.
Similar Pieces
European silver serving trays and platters by contemporaries such as Bruckmann & Söhne, Wilkens, or Koch & Bergfeld.
Interesting Facts
The 'Nachfolger' (successor) designation in German business names indicates that a workshop or retail house was taken over by new management while retaining the established, trusted name of the original founder.