Th. Marthinsen Silver Plate Tinn-Mønster (St. Olaf) Demitasse Spoons
Flatware, specifically Demitasse or Coffee Spoons · Th. Marthinsen (Thorvald Marthinsen Sølvvarefabrikk), Tønsberg, Norway. Founded in 1883, they are one of Norway's most prestigious silversmiths, known for high-quality traditional Scandinavian designs.
Pattern: Tinn-Mønster (Pattern #401), often referred to as 'St. Olaf' due to the pierced finial reminiscent of Norwegian medieval cross motifs. Introduced in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Type
Flatware, specifically Demitasse or Coffee Spoons
Maker
Th. Marthinsen (Thorvald Marthinsen Sølvvarefabrikk), Tønsberg, Norway. Founded in 1883, they are one of Norway's most prestigious silversmiths, known for high-quality traditional Scandinavian designs.
Material
Silver Plated (Boutique quality silver plate). The '40 gr.' stamp indicates that 40 grams of pure silver were used to electroplate a standard batch (usually 24 pieces) of the base metal (typically nickel silver/alpacca).
Dimensions
Estimated length of 4 to 4.5 inches (approx. 10-12 cm) per spoon. Weight is approximately 12-15 grams per spoon given the solid construction of the stem.
Description
A pair of charming Norwegian demitasse spoons featuring the iconic Tinn-Mønster pattern. The handles are defined by a rhythmic, wavy silhouette leading to an intricate, pierced finial that evokes the historical architecture of Trondheim's Nidaros Cathedral. These pieces represent a mid-century resurgence in national romanticism in Scandinavia.
Key Features
The '40 GR.' plating mark is the primary identifier for Norwegian silver plate. The distinctive scalloped handle and geometric openwork finial are signature to the Th. Marthinsen workshop.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated (Boutique quality silver plate). The '40 gr.' stamp indicates that 40 grams of pure silver were used to electroplate a standard batch (usually 24 pieces) of the base metal (typically nickel silver/alpacca).
Finish & Decoration
Polished finish with a distinctive scalloped/wavy stem and a pierced, openwork crown finial. The style is 'Dragon Style' or Neo-Romanesque, reflecting traditional Norwegian folk and medieval motifs.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'NORWAY' on the upper neck. The finial center is stamped '40 GR.', which is the Norwegian standard for high-grade silver plating. A maker's mark (often a wine glass or 'NM' logo) may be present but is faint in the image.
Construction Details
Die-struck from base metal sheets, followed by a mechanical piercing process for the finial. The spoons are then electroplated with high-purity silver. The 'scalloped' handle edge is a characteristic of this specific die.
Functional Features
Small oval bowl designed for espresso, demitasse coffee, or as individual salt spoons. The pierced finials provide a textured grip for the fingertips.
Handle & Grip Details
Wavy, flat stem transitioning into a decorative shield-shaped finial. The edges are soft and the weight is balanced toward the bowl for ease of use with small cups.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality factory production. The alignment of the stamps is precise, and the piercing is symmetrical, indicating high-quality steel dies and rigorous quality control at the Tønsberg factory.
Authentication Indicators
The font and placement of the 'NORWAY' and '40 GR.' stamps are consistent with authentic Th. Marthinsen export products. Mechanical piercing edges show typical clean factory shear lines.
Origin & Manufacturing
Tønsberg, Norway. Manufactured at the Th. Marthinsen factory, known for maintaining traditional handicraft standards in industrial production.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940-1960). While the design is based on medieval Viking/Romanesque Revival styles (Dragon style), these specific plated versions were popular mid-century exports.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1970 based on the '40 GR.' mark and the specific typography of the 'NORWAY' stamp used for international markets.
Cultural Significance
These spoons embody 'Husflid' (home craft) aesthetic, connecting modern Norwegian dining habits of the 20th century with their Viking and medieval heritage.
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. Minor surface scratches and visible tarnish in the crevices of the piercing (sulfide deposits). No obvious signs of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through silver), suggesting the plating is still thick.
Value Estimate
$10 - $20 USD for the pair. While well-made, silver-plated items have lower market value than sterling counterparts (.830 or .925), which would be marked '830S' or '925S'.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft toothbrush to reach into the pierced finial. Avoid abrasive dips which can strip the thin silver layer and expose the yellowish base metal.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with patterns by Frigast (Denmark) or David Andersen (Norway). Similar patterns exist in pewter (Tinn), which would be marked 'Tinn' or 'Pewter' instead of '40 GR.'
Interesting Facts
The '40 GR.' mark is frequently mistaken by novice collectors for a '40 gram' weight mark of solid silver; in reality, it is a technical plating thickness designation used almost exclusively in Nordic countries.