Dutch 833 Silver Decorative Object (Marked with Holland Office Shield and Lion)
Decorative Object / Collector's Small · Unknown Dutch Silversmith. The marks indicate regional assay production in the Netherlands, likely a small-scale workshop specializing in traditional silver ornaments or utensils.
Pattern: Traditional Dutch Guild Style; non-pattern specific. These pieces usually follow folk or neoclassical Dutch motifs depending on the specific item form.
Type
Decorative Object / Collector's Small
Maker
Unknown Dutch Silversmith. The marks indicate regional assay production in the Netherlands, likely a small-scale workshop specializing in traditional silver ornaments or utensils.
Material
833 Silver (83.3% purity). Higher than the 800 standard but lower than Sterling (.925), which was the common secondary silver standard in the Netherlands.
Dimensions
Estimated small scale, likely 4-8cm in diameter if a base, or 12-18cm if a spoon bowl. Estimated weight: 20-50 grams based on gauge.
Description
This is a quintessential example of Dutch silver marking. The piece exhibits the characteristic .833 purity common to the region, featuring a lustrous finish and deeply impressed official assay marks that signify quality and tax compliance in the Netherlands.
Key Features
The Lion Passant '2' mark is the primary indicator of Dutch .833 silver. The secondary mark is a town or office mark used for administrative tracking of precious metals.
Material & Composition
833 Silver (83.3% purity). Higher than the 800 standard but lower than Sterling (.925), which was the common secondary silver standard in the Netherlands.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish surface with stamped hallmarks. The specific object appears to have a rounded, reflective surface common in spoon bowls or rounded hollowware bases.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Two distinct hallmarks: 1. A provincial office mark within a decorative 'three-leaf' shield indicating the assay office. 2. A 'Lion Passant' with a numeral (likely a 2) below it, which is the standard Dutch mark for .833 purity silver.
Construction Details
Likely die-struck or hand-raised. The marks are deeply struck into the metal, suggesting a robust construction rather than a thin electroplate.
Functional Features
Smooth interior/exterior surface designed for food service or display. The hallmark placement suggests a conspicuous but traditional marking location (back of spoon or bottom of cup).
Handle & Grip Details
Not clearly visible in the hallmark close-up; however, Dutch silver of this era often featured cast-silver handles with intricate figural or floral motifs.
Craftsmanship Details
Clean mark striking indicates a professional silversmith. The surface shows a high level of finish without the 'orange peel' effect common in modern cast reproductions.
Authentication Indicators
Highly authentic hallmarks. The punch depth, the shape of the cartouche, and the specific iconography of the Dutch Lion are consistent with governmental assay standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
The Netherlands (Holland). Likely manufactured in a regional center like Schoonhoven, known for silver craftsmanship.
Era & Period
Modern/Post-1814 Dutch Silver system. The marks shown were used extensively from the early 19th century through the mid-20th century.
Age Estimate
Circa 1850-1920. The crispness of the hallmark and the particular shield shape suggest a late 19th or early 20th-century production.
Cultural Significance
Dutch silver represents a long history of mercantilism and domestic pride; many such pieces were given as commemorative gifts or used in elaborate 'Sunday' tea services.
Condition Notes
Excellent condition based on the clarity of the marks. Minor surface micro-scratching consistent with age and occasional cleaning. No signs of repair or silver-loss.
Value Estimate
$40 - $150 USD depending on the full form of the object (e.g., a simple spoon vs. an ornate salt cellar).
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish with a high-quality silver cream like Wright's. Avoid chemical dips which can strip the protective patina from the recesses of the hallmarks.
Similar Pieces
German 800 silver marks (Crescent/Crown) or British Sterling (Lion Passant with no numeral). Dutch pieces are unique for their '2' numeral designation.
Interesting Facts
The Netherlands used a 'Lion Passant' for .833 silver and a 'Lion Rampant' for .925 silver, making it easy for collectors to distinguish between purity levels at a glance.