posted 08-31-2004 06:08 PM              

Just found this website through a recommendation. I think I might have to order the one silver/gold book. Is it good for an absolute beginner?

Also, the reason I found the board is, I need help identifying a mark. Ive seen a set of apostle spoons and I was hoping someone might help me with them. This is the best pic I have:

Any help would be appreciated. I've read to make sure that the apostle are well "carved" and that the have the right "weapons of their death".

Anything else?

Thanks

Jeff

posted 09-01-2004 06:25 PM            

Curiously enough, I just made a post on this same board regarding false Dutch marks. They were used not necessarily to decieve - though doubtless they have - but to make reproductions items (often apostle spoons) seem more authentic. Such items generally should have genuine marks from the period they were made, but they are often well-hidden or occasionally missing all together, sometimes having been buffed away by uscrupulous dealers.

Also, the "rattail" on the spoons in the picture looks all wrong to me; it should be longer and more graceful and clearly a separate part to which the bowl has been attached. This looks like it was cast as one piece and then "punched in" to make the tail appear as though it were added. Also, the join at the stem and bowl looks flimsy, and the chasing on the stem is muddy - like it was cast and not chased at all.