posted 06-19-2008 07:12 AM            

I recently bought a pair of spoons that friends elsewhere think were made in Parnu, Estonia.

I see there have been those here who have a deep knowledge of this area and its silver-history.

I am trying to find out more about HA Behrens & Co whose name is punched engraved on the back along with the date 1827 - and have found an article in Estonian that mentions them alongside the city of Parnu - I have written to the Journalist to find out what its about!

There are only two marks. One in an oblong punch has the initials AS with a central point and the other is a key with a cross pattee beneath.

Any help as to confirmation of place date or smith would be gratefully acknowledged.

While I realize these are hardly "important" pieces - and most silver is in fact dated and often possessed of much more information in its marks - I wonder if pieces like these (partly because of the additional markings) deserve to be cataloged somewhere?

posted 06-19-2008 03:12 PM            

You would more likely get an informative response if you take a few minutes and go back and read the guidelines for this forum at Guidelines and provide a bit more information as they request.

We are just a small group of people who like silver and as you will see when you read these instructions we ask new people to please introduce themselves by sharing a little information on their interest in silver in general and why they are asking about the particular objects in their posting.

Your photo is a bit dark, especially for the lower marking but I think it may be good enough. Can you please also add a couple of photos of the overall spoons since style is just as much a part of figuring out what something is?

Thanks!

posted 06-19-2008 08:22 PM            

I had studied the protocols and etiquette before I posted but obviously I failed to grasp the finer points. I am a priest and have used beautiful and precious silver on a daily basis for over 30 years - we also have a family business that has sold diamonds, jewellery and antique silver for a couple of life times - and I have a collection of large spoons!

The spoons are precisely 9 inches long, with a three inch bowl, one and three quarter inches at its widest point. Weight 50 grams. With its shape and the bright cut oval medallion it reminds me somewhat of Irish Celtic point design but the handle is wider more reminiscent of Swedish spoons I have. Estonia has been passed around quite a bit during its history so, if the spoon is from there then some of the "feel" would make sense. My own instincts are around 1770 -80, somewhat earlier than the rear engraving.

I hope that helps.

posted 06-19-2008 09:09 PM            

Given the maker’s working dates (1802-1841) and that the engraved lancet style remained popular in the Baltic well into the 1830s, I see no reason to think that the pair is anything but contemporaneous with the date pricked on them: 1827.

Hope this helps!

posted 06-20-2008 11:34 AM            

DO NOT "borrow" images from auctions or other web sites. They may be accessible to you, and you may be able to copy them, but they do not belong to you.

I am always amazed by the incredible expertise of the nice folks here on this forum. I am sure Blakstone has forgotten more than I will ever learn.

I hope you will find an opportunity sometime to post some photos of some of the spoons in your own collection. It sounds like a fascinating area to collect and the folks here love to see interesting silver.