German Silver-Plated Flatware Piece with Hartglanz Mark
Flatware · German Silverware Manufacturer (utilizing the Hartglanz process)
Pattern: Standard Mid-20th Century European Utility Pattern
Type
Flatware
Maker
German Silverware Manufacturer (utilizing the Hartglanz process)
Material
Silver Plated (Electroplated Nickel Silver or Alpacca base with heavy silver plating, denoted by the 90 gram silver-plate standard and Hartglanz hardening process)
Dimensions
Standard flatware dimensions, indeterminate from the macro detail photo showing only the stamped handle portion
Description
A close-up view of the reverse side of a silver-plated flatware handle, clearly displaying German manufacturing marks. The stamped inscriptions include a quality symbol, the numerical indicator '90' representing the German silver-plating standard, and the proprietary 'Hartglanz' trademark which signifies a specialized hardening process applied to the silver surface to resist scratching and wear.
Key Features
The presence of the 'Hartglanz' (hard gloss/hardened shine) trademark alongside the standard German '90' silver-plate weight designation
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Electroplated Nickel Silver or Alpacca base with heavy silver plating, denoted by the 90 gram silver-plate standard and Hartglanz hardening process)
Finish & Decoration
Smooth polished finish with clean, minimalist utilitarian lines typical of mid-century European dining ware
Hallmarks & Stamps
Impressed stamps showing a maker symbol or quality logo, the numerical designation '90' (indicating the weight of silver used to plate a standard dozen items), and the script word 'Hartglanz' indicating a hardened silver-plate surface
Construction Details
Die-struck base metal core finished with electroplated silver, typical of industrial-scale European flatware production
Functional Features
Ergonomically shaped handle designed for a comfortable grip during dining
Handle & Grip Details
Integral handle formed from the same base metal blank as the main body, featuring a flat profile and smooth edge tapering
Craftsmanship Details
Precision die-stamping with cleanly depressed hallmarks and clear typography, indicative of efficient industrial manufacturing standards of the mid-20th century
Authentication Indicators
Authentic German silver-plate marking convention, utilizing standardized numerical plating weights and proprietary trade names typical of mid-century European silver factories
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany, produced by a manufacturer utilizing advanced plating and hardening techniques
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1930s-1960s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960 based on the typeface of the Hartglanz stamp and the numerical plating standard system
Cultural Significance
Reflects the evolution of mass-produced European dining ware in the mid-20th century, where manufacturers developed innovations like Hartglanz to make silver-plated items more durable for everyday middle-class household use
Condition Notes
Fair to good vintage condition showing moderate surface scuffing, micro-scratches from use, and minor tarnish accumulation in the stamped recesses
Value Estimate
Modest collector or replacement value, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per individual flatware piece depending on the complete set availability and overall condition
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; polish periodically with a gentle silver cream formulated for plated items to preserve the thin silver layer
Similar Pieces
German and Austrian silver-plated flatware by makers such as WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) or Wellner utilizing similar numerical plating codes
Interesting Facts
The 'Hartglanz' designation was used by select European makers to market flatware that underwent a special hardening treatment to increase the durability of the softer silver-plated surface against daily cutlery wear