Antiko 800 Silver Hildesheimer Rose Coffee Spoons, Set of 6
Flatware (Coffee Spoons) · Antiko (Kohlbecker), a prominent German producer specializing in traditional Hanseatic and floral silver styles. They were highly respected for high-quality souvenir and specialty flatware during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Hildesheimer Rose (Hildesheim Rose), a pattern based on the legendary 1,000-year-old rose bush at the Hildesheim Cathedral. Popularized in the early 1900s, it remains a classic of German silversmithing.
Type
Flatware (Coffee Spoons)
Maker
Antiko (Kohlbecker), a prominent German producer specializing in traditional Hanseatic and floral silver styles. They were highly respected for high-quality souvenir and specialty flatware during the mid-20th century.
Material
800 Silver (80% pure silver, 20% copper). This is the standard silver purity for Continental Europe. The bowls of the spoons appear to have a gold wash (Vermeil) to prevent tarnishing and reaction with coffee/tea.
Dimensions
Each spoon is approximately 10-11 cm (4.25 inches) in length. Total weight for the set of six is estimated at 60-75 grams.
Description
A charming set of six German 800 silver coffee spoons in the iconic Hildesheimer Rose pattern. These spoons feature intricate, nature-inspired stems that terminate in full-bloom roses and leaves. The bowls are lightly gilded, contrasting beautifully with the dark, oxidized silver stems. This set is a quintessential example of German botanical silver art, often used as sentimental gifts or wedding presents.
Key Features
The distinctive 'openwork' stem where the silver splits to resemble thick vines, and the detailed multi-petaled rose at the handle end. The gold-washed bowls are a functional and beautiful touch.
Material & Composition
800 Silver (80% pure silver, 20% copper). This is the standard silver purity for Continental Europe. The bowls of the spoons appear to have a gold wash (Vermeil) to prevent tarnishing and reaction with coffee/tea.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized matte finish with chased and embossed rose motifs. The design features openwork (pierced) stems imitating rose branches and a leaf terminal. The style is German Romantic/Art Nouveau revival.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped '800' for silver purity and 'ANTIKO' or the company logo (a pine cone or stylized 'K') on the reverse of the stem or spoon bowl. The hallmarks are consistent with 20th-century German manufacturing.
Construction Details
Die-struck and cast components. The intricate rose terminals and stems are produced using detailed molds and then hand-finished/polished to enhance the floral detail.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowls designed for stirring espresso or small coffee cups. The stems are intentionally thin and artistic, prioritizing decorative elegance over heavy-duty utility.
Handle & Grip Details
Solid silver stems designed as naturalistic rose branches. The grips are textured to mimic bark and leaves, providing a tactile, organic feel.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. The level of detail in the rose petals is excellent for a mass-produced item, showing the precision of German die-cutting tools.
Authentication Indicators
Symmetry in the die-striking and the specific '800' stamp used by German makers. The pattern perfectly matches Antiko's well-documented catalog of Hildesheimer Rose variants.
Origin & Manufacturing
Pforzheim, Germany. Pforzheim was the center of the German jewelry and silver industry where Antiko was located.
Era & Period
Modern Era (likely 1950s-1970s). While the pattern is based on much older traditions, the construction and marketing of these sets in presentation boxes are typical of post-war West Germany.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960. The box style and the specific rendering of the rose details suggest a mid-century production date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the German 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake) social tradition. The rose is a symbol of love and endurance in German folklore, making these spoons popular heirlooms.
Condition Notes
Good to Fair. There is significant heavy 'sulfide' tarnish (darkening) across the stems and leaf details. The gold wash in the bowls shows some spotting. One spoon appears slightly bent. Structurally sound but requires intensive cleaning.
Value Estimate
$80 - $150 USD for the set. Value is driven by the silver weight and the popularity of the Hildesheimer Rose pattern on the secondary market.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with a silver foam like Wright's Silver Cream using a soft-bristled toothbrush to reach the crevices of the rose. Do not over-polish the dark recessed areas, as the 'oxidized' look is part of the design. Hand wash only.
Similar Pieces
Christoph Widmann and Robbe & Berking also produced Rose patterns, but Widmann's versions are often more delicate and in 835 or 925 silver. Silver-plated versions by WMF exist but lack the '800' hallmark.
Interesting Facts
The 'Thousand-year Rose' that inspired this pattern is a real bush growing on the wall of the Hildesheim Cathedral; it is said that as long as the rose bush flourishes, the city of Hildesheim will prosper.