Antique European Silver Collection – Five Pieces, Including Dutch Silver Tea Strainer, Napkin Holder and Salt & Pepper Shaker Origin: Netherlands and possibly other European origins Period: Late 19th to early 20th century, dates unconfirmed Materials: Silver, including Sterling silver and 835/1000 silver and 833/1000 silver Number of pieces: 5 Total weight: 97 g Description An attractive collection of five antique silver objects comprising a pair of salt and pepper shakers, a decorative napkin holder, a pierced tea strainer and a cylindrical silver holder. The collection combines functional table accessories with decorative silverwork and features several hallmarks that provide clues to the origin and fineness of the individual pieces. The objects display traditional ornamental details, including pierced decoration, engraved floral motifs, beaded borders and perforated lids. The group would appeal to collectors of antique silver, European tableware and small historical silver objects. 1. Pair of sterling silver salt and pepper shakers A matching pair of small, rounded salt and pepper shakers with perforated lids and gently bulbous bodies. Both feature a classic, compact form suitable for a traditional dining table. The bases are stamped with a maker’s mark recorded as C.S.C.C., together with the number 221. The silver is reported to be sterling silver, 925/1000. * Weight: 25 g for the pair * Height: 4.5 cm * Width/depth: 3 cm * Silver fineness: 925/1000, as reported 2. Silver napkin holder A small decorative napkin holder featuring an openwork frame, ornamental upper decoration and a delicate, curved form. Its compact proportions and decorative details make it an attractive example of traditional table accessories. The holder is stamped 835, indicating a silver fineness of 835/1000. The maker’s mark is illegible. * Weight: 15 g * Height: 5 cm * Width: 5 cm * Depth: 2 cm * Silver fineness: 835/1000 3. Dutch silver tea strainer A decorative pierced tea strainer with a shallow, perforated bowl, an ornate scrolling border and a slender handle terminating in a floral detail. The elaborate relief decoration gives this functional object a particularly ornamental appearance. The visible hallmarks appear to include a lion with the numeral 2 beneath it, a helmeted head that may represent the Dutch Minerva head assay mark, and a third mark that remains illegible. These marks support a provisional attribution to Dutch silver, with a likely fineness of 833/1000. The precise date and maker have not been established. * Weight: 19 g * Length: 12 cm * Width: 7 cm * Height: 1.5 cm * Silver fineness: Probably 833/1000, subject to confirmation 4. Dutch silver cylindrical holder A small cylindrical silver object with an open centre, decorated with engraved floral and foliate motifs. Beaded borders frame the upper and lower edges, while the decorative open form gives the piece an elegant appearance. The object bears a Dutch sword hallmark and an illegible maker’s mark. The sword supports an attribution to Dutch silverware, with a fineness of approximately 833/1000 considered likely. The precise original function of the object remains unidentified. * Weight: 38 g * Height: 3.7 cm * Width: 5.7 cm * Depth: 5.7 cm * Silver fineness: Probably 833/1000 Condition All five objects show signs of age and use, including tarnishing, patina and surface marks. Some hallmarks are legible, while others are worn or indistinct. Please examine the photographs carefully for the condition and markings of each piece. Additional information A varied collection of European silver table accessories, including two objects provisionally attributed to the Netherlands on the basis of their reported hallmarks. The collection combines sterling silver, 835 silver and 833 silver. The combined weight is 97 g. Individual weights include all components as weighed; the total should not be interpreted as 97 g of silver of a single fineness. Makers and exact dates remain unidentified where the marks are illegible.