posted 04-16-2002 12:24 AM            

Can anyone please help me identifying a silver urn that I have:

As yet I know little of the urns history. I was told that the urns date may be around the 1850s or earlier.

There are markings by the artist, who I think is from Germany. Theses markings have been hand etched on to the lid of the urn, which are a head facing left, with the words underneath saying, ADE IN GER, which is, (made in Germany). Underneath those words is a picture of a horse:

Also there is the words in front of the head of the man, which say (blut best or similar).
As theses are very hard to see, as the markings are very worn. someone might recognize the motifs on the urn, which would be of great help.

There is also a number that has been drawn in by the artist, which you can sort of make out, and this is on the top of the lid of the urn. And finally the inside rim of the urn has markings, which I'm not sure what theses are, and they go all around the inside of the lid of the urn.

If anyone has any idea in recognizing this urn, it would be most greatly received, thank you for your help.

Kind regards
Karen

posted 04-17-2002 09:06 AM            

Very interesting piece. It looks very middle-eastern to me. If the mark does read "Made in Germany", then it would date to the 1912-1939 period, or even 1990-2002. It would not be 19th century.

I do know that Germany has a susbstantial Turkish population, many of whom are recent immigrants. Perhaps this is the work of a Turkish craftsman in Germany. That would make it quite new, though. Does it look "old", with appropriate wear and tear, or does it simply have the irregularities of a handmade piece?

I hope this helps somewhat.