Hildesheimer Rose Pattern 800 Silver Demitasse Spoons, Set of 6
Flatware (Demitasse/Espresso Spoons) · Likely Hanseatische Silberwarenfabrik or Christoph Widmann; the 'Hildesheimer Rose' was produced by multiple German silversmiths after its 1919 inception.
Pattern: Hildesheimer Rose (Hildesheim Rose), introduced in 1919 by Fritz Klinkert. A staple of German silver production for over a century.
Type
Flatware (Demitasse/Espresso Spoons)
Maker
Likely Hanseatische Silberwarenfabrik or Christoph Widmann; the 'Hildesheimer Rose' was produced by multiple German silversmiths after its 1919 inception.
Material
800 Silver (German Standard); contains 80% pure silver and 20% copper. Many examples feature 'Vermeil' (gold-washed) bowls to prevent tarnish from acidic coffee/tea.
Dimensions
Standard demitasse size, approximately 10-11 cm (4-4.5 inches) in length; total set weight roughly 50-70 grams.
Description
A classic set of German demitasse spoons in the quintessential Hildesheimer Rose pattern. These pieces are celebrated for their romantic, naturalistic interpretation of the 'Thousand-Year Rose' of Hildesheim Cathedral. The set features delicate openwork stems and gilded bowls that provide a luxurious contrast to the oxidized silver handles.
Key Features
Pierced handle design, distinctive rose-bud finial, gold-washed bowls (vermeil), and high-relief casting detail.
Material & Composition
800 Silver (German Standard); contains 80% pure silver and 20% copper. Many examples feature 'Vermeil' (gold-washed) bowls to prevent tarnish from acidic coffee/tea.
Finish & Decoration
Pierced and cast floral decoration; features a stylized rose blossom at the finial, thorny vine stem, and gold-washed (vermeil) bowls. Naturalistic Rococo-revival style.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually stamped '800' for silver purity, often accompanied by the German 'Crescent and Crown' (Halbmond und Krone) and a specific maker's mark (e.g., a 'W' for Widmann).
Construction Details
Precision-cast components with openwork (pierced) handles. The rose finial is cast as part of the handle process, followed by hand-finishing and bowl polishing.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowls designed for small espresso or demitasse cups; vermeil coating serves the functional purpose of preventing the silver from affecting the taste of the beverage.
Handle & Grip Details
Elaborate figural handle depicting a climbing rose vine; original solid 800 silver construction with textured 'thorns' for grip and visual appeal.
Craftsmanship Details
Expert industrial casting with significant hand-detailing in the piercing; high-quality gold plating intended for longevity during frequent use.
Authentication Indicators
Pattern-specific floral arrangement; hallmark placement on the reverse of the stem; weight consistency with 800-grade silver; characteristic German casting seams.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany; most notably associated with the Hanau and Pforzheim silver workshops, representing a high-standard European manufacturing tradition.
Era & Period
Traditional German/Mid-20th Century Production (original design c. 1919); reflects the Art Nouveau and earlier Rococo floral influences popular in Germany.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the casting style, heavy oxidation patterns, and commonality of these sets as post-war souvenirs and gifts.
Cultural Significance
A staple of German 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake) culture; often gifted as wedding or christening presents in 20th-century Europe.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy tarnish and green oxidation (verdigris) present on the handles; the gold-wash in the bowls shows signs of wear and surface scratching. Requires professional cleaning.
Value Estimate
$60 - $120 for the set of 6, depending on the specific maker and success of tarnish removal.
Care & Maintenance
Gently clean with warm soapy water first, then use a quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid 'dip' cleaners as they may strip the gold wash from the bowls.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. Rose Flatware (more heavy/American style), Art Nouveau 'Lily' patterns, or modern stainless steel replicas of the Rose pattern (lacking the 800 stamp).
Interesting Facts
The pattern is based on a real rose bush that grows on the wall of the Hildesheim Cathedral, which survived the WWII bombing of the church, symbolizing resilience.