Antique Dutch GERRITSEN 1909 Sterling Silver Fish Server EXTREMLY RARE FIND

  
Antique Dutch Pierced 833 Sterling Silver Fish Server 12 ½ (over 1 foot long) 4.5 Std oz. Item came from the collection of retired NY antique dealer. Gerritsen Silver mostly searchable on Sotheby's and Christie's auctions. Gerritsen brand in Netherlands equals Tiffany in the US. Gerritsen and Van Kempen is official Royal Silversmith of Dutch Royal Family. This is absolutely beautiful Dutch Fish Server of early 20th century. The server decorated with fish, water lilies, and water plants. The unusual pierced design allows this server to be a perfect tool for serving fish dishes at the dinner table. Server in a terrific shape, fully hallmarked. Hallmarks reading : from left to right as pictured. ZG maker monogram (Zilverenfabriek Gerritsen). Flemish Lion Passant inside hexagonal stamp for Dutch 833 Sterling silver. The date letter "Z" corresponding to the year 1909. Perseus Head with A stamp for the duty mark city of Amsterdam.

The stamp located 4.5 inches to the left of other 3 , where handle merges into flat serving part. See pictures for more details. Item made by famous Dutch Maker MJ Gerritsen & Co , from Zeist , near Utrecht.

It is known as Gerritsen Van Kempen or Gerritsen Vankempe. Today the company has name.

Fabriek van Gouden- en Zilveren Werken Gerritsen en Van Kempen Zeist. [Royal Dutch Factory of Gold and Silver works, Gerritsen and Van Kampen, Zeist]. Do not dismiss something as not Sterling just because it is not. S a legal definition, often changing over time, requiring a certain Standard of Fineness i. Percentage of silver to copper expressed in parts of 1000.

These Standards are rigorously enforced and made obvious by the use of specific Assay and Hallmarks. 925 Standard of Fineness was laid down in 1238 and came to be known as Sterling. On the Continent the Standard of Fineness, i. France has a complicated system ranging from. In the US prior to the 20th century silversmiths were free to use their own mixture.

The silver they used often came from coins coin silver that ranged from. 925 Sterling Standard in 1851, Gorham followed suit in 1868. After the Civil War more manufacturers followed this trend.

It was not until 1907 that the US formally adopted. 925 as the Standard of Fineness for Sterling. Excellent condition, no damage of any type.

Some black dots from previous use, that can be removed with deep cleaning. Some signs of normal wear for a 100+ years old item.

Dutch Fish Server by Gerritsen Silver. Excellent condition , no breaks other damage. See photos for more details. All Arts, Crafts, Collectibles, Antiques and Vintage products are non - returnable. The item "Antique Dutch GERRITSEN 1909 Sterling Silver Fish Server EXTREMLY RARE FIND" is in sale since Thursday, February 04, 2016. This item is in the category "Antiques\Silver\Non-U.

The seller is "bestdistributor" and is located in North Brunswick, New Jersey. This item can be shipped worldwide.