German 800 Silver Woven Filigree Tea Infuser Spoon
Tea Service Accessory (Tea Strainer/Infuser) · Unknown German Silversmith; the piece bears the 'GERMANY' export mark, characteristic of Hanau or Pforzheim workshops known for intricate filigree and silver-wire work.
Pattern: Traditional German Wire-Woven Filigree
Type
Tea Service Accessory (Tea Strainer/Infuser)
Maker
Unknown German Silversmith; the piece bears the 'GERMANY' export mark, characteristic of Hanau or Pforzheim workshops known for intricate filigree and silver-wire work.
Material
Likely 800 Silver (German Standard); composed of fine silver wire woven into a mesh with a solid silver wire handle and frame.
Dimensions
Approximately 5-6 inches in length, 1.5 inches in diameter; estimated weight 15-25 grams.
Description
An elegant example of German silversmithing, this tea infuser features a meticulously woven silver-wire bowl designed to catch tea leaves while steeping. The aesthetic is both functional and delicate, utilizing the natural flexibility of silver to create a textile-like mesh. Its twisted handle and simple geometric loop provide a comfortable grip, making it a timeless addition to traditional tea services.
Key Features
Unique woven 'basket' mesh bowl, twisted wire neck, 'GERMANY' export stamp, and reinforced petal-top joinery.
Material & Composition
Likely 800 Silver (German Standard); composed of fine silver wire woven into a mesh with a solid silver wire handle and frame.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized/Antiqued finish within the crevices of the weave, featuring a twisted wire handle, a woven basket-style bowl, and a circular petal-form wire reinforcement at the apex of the bowl.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'GERMANY' on the handle neck. This typically accompanies the German national mark (Crescent and Crown) and '800' purity mark, though these may be small or worn on the thin wire frame.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled using wire-work techniques; the bowl is created by weaving thin silver ribbons/wires over a frame, while the handle is formed by two wires twisted together and shaped into a loop.
Functional Features
Perforated woven mesh design for steeping loose-leaf tea; the rounded form allows for maximum water circulation and ease of cleaning.
Handle & Grip Details
Hollow-style wire loop handle with a decorative twist; integrated into the main frame for structural stability.
Craftsmanship Details
High level of manual dexterity required for the weaving process; the symmetry of the twist and the consistency of the wire weave indicate skilled workshop production.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic German wire-work construction; 'GERMANY' stamp font matches period export pieces; appropriate tarnishing patterns for silver of this age.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany; likely the export-heavy regions of Hanau, which specialized in historical replicas and decorative functional silver for the international market.
Era & Period
Late Victorian to early 20th Century (pre-WWII), reflecting the revival of traditional wire-work crafts.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1930. The 'GERMANY' stamp suggests it was produced for export during the late imperial or Weimar era.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the formal European tea culture of the late 19th century, where specialized tools were created for every step of the brewing process to signify status and refinement.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good condition. Noticeable tarnish/patina in the weave; some light compression of the woven bowl. Structural integrity remains sound without broken wires.
Value Estimate
$45 - $85 USD depending on the clarity of additional hallmarks and the exact weight.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle immersion in mild soapy water; avoid heavy polishing pastes that can clog the weave. Use a very soft brush to remove debris. Store in anti-tarnish cloth.
Similar Pieces
French Filigree Infuser (often .950 silver with different motifs), English Sterling Tea Infusers (often solid silver with drilled holes rather than woven wire).
Interesting Facts
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Germany was a global leader in silver wire-work (filigree), often mimicking designs from the 17th and 18th centuries for the English and American markets.