Hildesheimer Rose Pattern German 90 Silver Plate Serving Piece
Flatware - Serving Piece (likely a Cake Server or Pastry Spoon) · Attributed to Christopher Widmann or ALBO; several German workshops produced this specific design starting in the 1930s based on the Hanau silver tradition. The design is synonymous with Northern German craftsmanship.
Pattern: Hildesheimer Rose (standard variation). Inspired by the 1,000-year-old rose bush at Hildesheim Cathedral.
Type
Flatware - Serving Piece (likely a Cake Server or Pastry Spoon)
Maker
Attributed to Christopher Widmann or ALBO; several German workshops produced this specific design starting in the 1930s based on the Hanau silver tradition. The design is synonymous with Northern German craftsmanship.
Material
Silver Plated (identified by the 90 stamp). The base is likely brass or Alpacca (Nickel Silver). The '90' indicates that 90 grams of pure silver were used to plate 24 pieces of flatware.
Dimensions
Estimated length 18-22 cm; weight approximately 50-70 grams. These pieces were manufactured in various sizes for specific purposes like hors d'oeuvres or desserts.
Description
This is a quintessential example of German botanical flatware. The Hildesheimer Rose pattern is one of the most recognizable German silver designs, characterized by its romantic, naturalistic interpretation of a rose in full bloom. The piece serves as both a functional tool and a table centerpiece, reflecting the post-war German preference for 'Heimat' style and traditional motifs.
Key Features
Rose-shaped terminal, textured vine handle, '90' silver plate mark, asymmetrical botanical border.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (identified by the 90 stamp). The base is likely brass or Alpacca (Nickel Silver). The '90' indicates that 90 grams of pure silver were used to plate 24 pieces of flatware.
Finish & Decoration
Features high-relief repoussé-style floral decoration. The terminal is shaped as a blossoming rose with accompanying leaves. The stem mimics a naturalistic woody vine with a bark-like texture. It has an antiqued or oxidized finish in the recesses to highlight the floral detail.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '90' (German standard for silver plating) and 'AB' or 'ALBO' in a cartouche, representing the maker’s mark of Albert Bodemer or a similar regional silversmith workshop.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or die-struck with secondary hand-finishing to create the textured appearance of the rose and stem. One-piece construction.
Functional Features
Single-piece serving utensil; the broad, floral terminal provides a decorative grip while the naturalistic stem offers ergonomic ridges.
Handle & Grip Details
The handle is the primary decorative element, featuring a fully bloomed rose. The grip is integrated into the stem, which is textured to prevent slipping.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-striking gives the illusion of hand-chased silver. The finishing ensures there are no sharp burrs on the textured stem, indicating professional German factory standards.
Authentication Indicators
The '90' stamp is a standard German indicator for plating rather than solid silver. The clarity of the rose leaves and the specific cartouche shape of the maker mark are consistent with mid-century German output.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany (likely Pforzheim or Hanau region). Manufactured using industrial plating processes designed for the middle-class European market.
Era & Period
Modern Era (post-1930s). While the rose is a traditional motif, this specific mass-produced plated version was most popular in Germany from 1950 to 1980.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970. The style of the '90' hallmark and the crispness of the die-stamping suggest a mid-20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake) culture in Germany, where elaborate serving pieces were essential for Sunday afternoon social gatherings.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible tarnish in the deep recesses (patina), which is often intentional to showcase the relief. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver) is visible in the image.
Value Estimate
$15 - $35 USD. Value is lower than solid silver versions but remains a popular collectible for those completing sets or for regional enthusiasts.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive cleaners which could strip the thin silver plating (the '90' layer). Clean with a soft cloth and mild silver foam. Store in a tarnish-resistant wrap.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with solid 800 or 835 silver versions. The solid silver versions will be stamped '800' or '835' alongside a crescent and crown (Reichsmark), whereas this piece is plated.
Interesting Facts
The pattern is based on the 'Legend of the Thousand-Year Rose,' a bush that survived the 1945 bombing of Hildesheim, symbolizing resilience and survival.