These are the largest spoon fork silver pieces which I own. They are huge. The spoon measures about 14.5" (375mm) from the top to the bottom of the bowl and they have a silver weight commensurate with their size. The quarter is to give you an idea of relative size.
The main scene at the top is a figure in a flowing robe who is holding a shield in the right hand and a spear in the left. In the background is a spire and a small cottage.
For a long time I thought that this was a Roman Centurion, however, Nick Peck pointed out that the figure is quite feminine and I now agree with that assessment. After some research
Nick and I agree that the figure is probably the Greek Goddess Athena, who was also known as the goddess of war (however, only in a good cause). She is often represented in different poses and with different symbols. She often has a shield with the face of Medusa, but in this case the shield is unadorned. The war staff is common. She is also often shown with scales and is very similar to the symbol of blind justice.
Above her are two nude male partial torsos (with defined 'six packs' abdominal muscles under a flower basket.
Below the centurion is a male figure blowing on a musical instrument which is being supported by two small children.
Below that is a snake which encircles a man's profile and a leaf (Adam ?)
Below the snake is another undefined person above some type of shield and another smaller profile below
Above the bowl are two figures in a reclining position. The left figure has the back to the viewer and the right figure is a reclining female nude.
The very deep bowl features a picture of Moses (I think) seated on a bull (calf?) and holding a tablet which I presume is from the ten commandments (although this is often shown as two tablets). The background in the bowl features a plant, a brick wall and a tree as well as numerous swirls and designs. Some people see the plant as the 'burning bush', but I am not sure about that.
I thought that these marks were just typical German pseudo marks, but an alert reader, Nick Peck, told me about a new page which identifies some Hanau silver marks.
According to this information, these pieces were made by Weinranck and Schmidt and were probably made in the 1890's. This firm specialized in hand made silver.
There is also a capital 'G' in the bowl.
Return to huge spoon index
Return to Spoon exhibits page