Bremen Silver Commemorative or Tableware by Wilkens & Söhne
Hollowware/Commemorative Object · M.H. Wilkens & Söhne of Bremen-Hemelingen, Germany. Founded in 1810, it is one of Germany's most prestigious silversmiths, known for high-quality production and serving royalty.
Pattern: Bremen City Crest motif, likely part of a civic commission or local commemorative line; production status: historical/archival.
Type
Hollowware/Commemorative Object
Maker
M.H. Wilkens & Söhne of Bremen-Hemelingen, Germany. Founded in 1810, it is one of Germany's most prestigious silversmiths, known for high-quality production and serving royalty.
Material
Likely 800 Silver (standard for German production of the era), though possibly 835 or 925; historical German silver is often .800 fineness.
Dimensions
Requires physical measurement; typically, such items range from 10cm-30cm diameter depending on form (plate vs bowl).
Description
A fine example of German Hanseatic silver featuring the iconic Key of Bremen. The stamping is deep and crisp, reflecting the pride of the city's manufacturing heritage. Such pieces were often used in municipal buildings or gifted to visiting dignitaries to represent the wealth of the Free City.
Key Features
The presence of the Bremen City Key alongside the characteristic shield hallmark; signifies authenticity as genuine Bremen-manufactured silver.
Material & Composition
Likely 800 Silver (standard for German production of the era), though possibly 835 or 925; historical German silver is often .800 fineness.
Finish & Decoration
The image shows a planished or brushed surface with a struck mark; the primary decoration is the armorial stamp of the city of Bremen.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The image features two distinct stamps: 1. The Bremen Key (the 'Bremer Schlüssel'), the heraldic symbol of the city. 2. A shield containing a press-mark, which identifies the origin of manufacture within the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen.
Construction Details
Struck or die-stamped marks onto a piece that was likely spun or pressed; evidence of industrial-era precision combined with traditional finishing.
Functional Features
Marking identifies provenance and quality; intended for use in civic banquets or as a high-end souvenir of the city.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Image focus is on the body marks; most Wilkens hollowware features soldered silver handles or integral grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent tool-and-die work for the stamps; the surface shows a controlled finish typical of high-end German industrial guilds.
Authentication Indicators
The 'Key' hallmark is a legally protected city mark in resonance with German silver laws of 1888; the strike depth is consistent with genuine period tools.
Origin & Manufacturing
Bremen, Germany; manufactured at the Wilkens & Söhne factory, which became a leader in German silver metallurgy.
Era & Period
Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century (Historicism or Art Nouveau transition periods); common in the 1880-1920 range.
Age Estimate
Circa 1890-1915 based on the style of the armorial stamp and the surface texture.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Hanseatic' identity—wealthy, independent merchant-class Germans who prized durable, high-quality silver as a stable asset.
Condition Notes
The surface shows fine linear scratches consistent with regular cleaning or use (patina); marks remain legible and clear. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Individual plates/bowls range from $150 to $600 USD depending on silver weight and specific historical provenance.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a high-quality cream like Wright's; avoid machine washing which can dull the crispness of the historical stamps.
Similar Pieces
Koch & Bergfeld (another Bremen giant) produced similar crested items, but their maker's mark (a vase/goblet) distinguishes them from Wilkens.
Interesting Facts
The Key of Bremen is the attribute of Saint Peter, the patron saint of the Bremen Cathedral; Wilkens & Söhne once employed the famous designer Peter Behrens.