Hildesheimer Rose Sterling Silver Demitasse Spoon with Vermeil Bowl
Flatware (Demitasse Spoon) · Various German Silversmiths (most likely Hanau or Pforzheim regions). This specific pattern was famously produced by companies like Christoph Widmann and Antiko (Kohlbecher).
Pattern: Hildesheimer Rose, a traditional German design introduced in the early 20th century (c. 1919-1930) and produced continually by multiple manufacturers since.
Type
Flatware (Demitasse Spoon)
Maker
Various German Silversmiths (most likely Hanau or Pforzheim regions). This specific pattern was famously produced by companies like Christoph Widmann and Antiko (Kohlbecher).
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) or 800 Fine Silver with a Vermeil (gold-washed) interior bowl. European silver items of this style were frequently 800 or 835 silver, but export models were often .925.
Dimensions
Standard demitasse size: approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in length; estimated weight between 10-14 grams.
Description
An elegant example of German floral flatware, this demitasse spoon features the iconic Hildesheimer Rose motif. The handle is a masterclass in naturalism, with a twisted, thorny vine leading to a dimensional, multi-petaled rose. The high-contrast gold-washed bowl provides a luxurious aesthetic typical of high-end European coffee service sets.
Key Features
The distinctive pierced 'vine' handle, the three-dimensional rose finial, and the bi-color effect of the darkened oxidized silver against the bright gold wash.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) or 800 Fine Silver with a Vermeil (gold-washed) interior bowl. European silver items of this style were frequently 800 or 835 silver, but export models were often .925.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized (antiqued) finish on the handle to highlight the rose details; Vermeil (gold gilt) mirror-finish bowl. The style is a late Art Nouveau / Naturalistic floral interpretation.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually found on the back of the neck or handle. Expected marks include '800' or '925', the Crescent and Crown (German national mark), and a maker's mark (e.g., 'W' for Widmann or 'Antiko').
Construction Details
Die-struck and cast construction. The rose finial and piered stem are likely cast and then hand-finished or die-stamped with high-pressure molds to achieve sharp relief.
Functional Features
Ovoid bowl for stirring espresso or after-dinner coffee; gold wash (vermeil) serves the functional purpose of preventing the silver from interacting with acidic beverages and egg-based foams.
Handle & Grip Details
Pierced openwork handle mimicking a rose vine with interlocking stems, thorns, and leaves, terminating in a fully bloomed rose finial.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality commercial casting with significant hand-finishing to clear the pierced openings in the stem. The gold wash application is precise and uniform.
Authentication Indicators
Floral detail depth, presence of expected '800' or 'Sterling' stamp (hidden in photo), and the specific 'open-brier' stem architecture characteristic of German 20th-century work.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany. The pattern is inspired by the 1000-year-old rose bush at the Hildesheim Cathedral.
Era & Period
Art Nouveau/Transition period (German Jugendstil influence). While the design originated around 1919, this specific piece appears to be mid-20th century (c. 1950s-70s).
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1975 based on the crispness of the casting and the preserved vermeil in the bowl.
Cultural Significance
Represents the European 'Kaffee und Kuchen' (coffee and cake) social tradition, where specialized small-scale flatware was a mark of middle-class refinement and hospitality.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible tarnish (oxidation) on the handle is intentional but heavy in the crevices. The vermeil bowl shows light surface scratches but remains largely intact. No structural bends or breaks.
Value Estimate
$25 - $45 USD for a single spoon; full sets of 6 or 12 in original presentation boxes can command $150 - $400 depending on the specific maker.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with mild soap and water; use a soft silver cloth for the bowl only to avoid removing the protective gold wash. Use a soft brush for the handle crevices but do not over-polish the dark oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co.'s 'Floral' series or Gorham's 'Buttercup', though those lack the specific German 'thorough-pierced' vine architecture found in the Hildesheimer Rose.
Interesting Facts
The design is based on the 'Thousand-Year Rose' at Hildesheim Cathedral, which survived the Allied bombing of WWII, making the pattern a symbol of endurance and German cultural heritage.