Hanau silver figural spoon featuring Frederick the Great, circa 1900
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1900
This representative figural spoon from Hanau, dating to approximately 1900, is a characteristic example of the Historicism style and Wilhelmine-era Prussian patriotism.The handle is intricately modeled in the form of King Frederick II of Prussia, depicted in military uniform complete with a tricorn hat, sword, walking cane, and the star of the Order of the Black Eagle.
The base of the figure features the engraved inscription 'FREDERICUS BORUSSORUM. REX 1740–1786'. The spoon bowl is heart-shaped and features elaborate relief decoration in the Rocaille and floral style, which is mirrored on the reverse. The surface is finished with fine chasing and repoussé work. The spoon bears various Hanau marks, including a crowned letter, suggesting a potential attribution to the workshop of B. Neresheimer & Sons, intentionally designed with fantasy hallmarks to evoke an antique aesthetic.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Length
- 29 cm
- Weight
- 161 g
- Material
- 800 silver (13 Lot), partial gilding
Technical characteristics
- Hallmarks
- crowned letter, various Hanau fantasy marks
- Decoration technique
- chasing, repoussé
Design
- Bowl
- heart-shaped with Rocaille and floral relief
- Handle
- figural sculpture of Frederick II of Prussia
- Inscription
- FREDERICUS BORUSSORUM. REX 1740–1786
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- possibly B. Neresheimer & Sons
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.