Here we have a large, impressive and detailed Dutch 930 Antique Silver Crucifix pendant. It has hallmarking by Chester assay office dating to 1909, with the makers mark for Boaz Moses Landeck.
Boaz Moses Landeck was based in Campden Square, London. He was known for his importation of continental silver ware for the British market from Germany and Holland.
It has the attachment and loop to the top to attach to a chain and be worn as a pendant. The crucifix is a large example for a pendant measuring 123.5mm in length, with a width of 76mm. It has a depth at the deepest point of 9.5mm.
The piece is designed with roses to each of the four tips. Christ is mounted to the centre and is highly detailed, with clearly defined features including crown of thorns and pierced side.
There is a radiating tracing beaming from the head.
To the bottom of the front is the British hallmarking from Chester assay office, with the 1909 date code and the Boaz Moses Landeck mark. To the rear, it is marked with the 930 standard with Dutch Pseudo hallmarking. The hallmarking is good and clear, without wear.
Crafted using old methods, this was a piece made in the style of Gothic design. It was likely produced in Holland in the later quarter of the 1800s.
The overall condition is very good for the age with no noticeable marking or dents. It remains unpolished.
Dutch Pseudo marks:
The Great Crystal Palace exhibition of 1851 was the first is a series of world fair exhibitions of culture and industry, which proved very popular in the 19th century.
A significant amount of silverware was displayed which was of modern methods but inspired in design of older styles. The Dutch Silversmith J. M. van Kempen introduced ‘pure of style’ silver designs. He offered silverware with new methods, that had encapsulated the five old styles: Greek, Gothic, Renaissance, Louis XIV and Rococo. It proved popular and was eagerly bought, subsequently creating a big demand for ‘real’ antique pieces.
People collected silver as a status symbol to show off their collections. The scarce supply of antique silver was not enough to meet demand and many people would rather something antique, than new. Dutch silversmiths who were trained to make silver in the traditional manner, decided to make or copy antique silverware. They also marked them with imitation marks to fit the bill of older hallmarking. The consumer was easily pleased as long as the object looked old and had interesting marks on it. There were few books on Continental silver marks of the Guild period or Ancien Regime. Dutch silvermakers were also lacking in knowledge about the marks of their predecessors, so many marks were used interchangeably from different cities and years.
The imitation marks were also useful when exporting abroad. The importing firm would have to pay duty on modern Silver. If pieces were over 100 years old, the duties were lower. The new ‘Old Dutch silver’ was shipped to the UK and US market in particular.
Dimensions:
Width: 76mm
Length: 123.5mm
Depth: 9.5mm