A small, elegant serving fork in 800 silver: the handle is decorated with a finely detailed rose and leaf pattern and ends in a sculpted rose bud – the well-known Hildesheim Rose design, named after the legendary ancient rosebush at Hildesheim Cathedral.
Hallmark and Material
The fork is clearly marked “Silber 800 ges. gesch.”. “Ges. gesch.” stands for gesetzlich geschützt, meaning the design was legally protected. 800 silver is 80% pure silver. The graceful curve and fine lines point to the Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) period.
Dimensions and Details
- Length: approx. 12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in)
- Material: 800 silver
- Hallmark: Silber 800 ges. gesch.
- Pattern: Hildesheim Rose
- Origin: Germany
- Age: probably early 20th century
Condition
Very good vintage condition with a natural patina that highlights the relief work beautifully. Please consider the photos part of the condition description.
What It’s For
As a cake fork, pastry fork or small serving fork for olives, antipasti and cheese. A special gift for collectors of fine flatware.
Care
Wash by hand and dry immediately. When polishing, leave the recesses untouched so the relief stays visible.
Price is for 1 piece. Ships from Austria, carefully packed.
Heidenreichstein, the flea market that returns every year. In a box full of cutlery lay this little fork, darkly tarnished, and only in the light did the rose at its end appear. The rosebush in Hildesheim has bloomed for a thousand years, and someone wanted to set a little of it onto a silver handle. Some beauty travels across centuries.
A rose in silver — Things with Soul · VintageAustriaShop
