Centrepiece (4) - .835 silver

Collection of Desk Sculptures "European Fighting Cocks"
An outstanding sculptural set consisting of two separate pairs of fighting roosters (Fighting Cocks). The collection represents two distinguished and valued European goldsmithing schools, characterized by a high content of pure precious metal in continental silver alloys.
PAIR I: LARGE FIGHTING ROOSTERS (UPPER LEVEL)
Construction and style: Dynamic, multi-element sculpture. A scene full of expression – one rooster charges from above, the other (with the left paw raised in the shape of a shield) adopts a defensive-resisting stance, balancing on the tail and wings. Neck plumage and deeply cut, undulating tail feathers are mounted and hand-soldered. Total mass of the pair: 266 grams (2 x 133 g)
Metal fineness: Silver, fineness 835
Hallmarking (PuncES on paws and elements):
Official state assay mark of Belgium: letter “A” and the fineness “835” enclosed in an integrated oval frame (pattern officially used from 1942–1990).
Hand-stamped assembly number “7” on the inner sides of the wings, paws and body – proof of individual, workshop-fitting of parts for a single exemplar.
Country of origin: Belgium
Dating: c. 1950–1970 (middle of the period during which the oblong wartime and post-war assay mark was in use, which perfectly confirms the traditional manual assembly technique).
Condition: Excellent, cabinet-quality. A deep, natural patina in the corners of the feathers creates ideal light-and-shadow that enhances the relief’s three-dimensionality.
PAIR II: SMALL MINIATURE FIGHTING ROOSTERS (LOWER LEVEL)
Construction and style: Exclusive cabinet miniatures cast using a monolithic technique (complete). Birds in a combat pose with wings spread wide and heads proudly elevated. Outstanding, intricate and dense finish of the feather texture on the wings and the porous structure of the comb.
Total mass of the pair: 66 grams (2 x 33 g)
Metal fineness: Silver fineness 833 (the so-called second title / 2º toque)
Hallmarking (Full, rare 3-element set of hallmarks on the leg):
State guarantee mark of the Porto assay office: the head of a wild boar (Javali) facing left, enclosed in a vertical square with beveled corners (bourse mark for the Porto region).
Independent, numerical hallmark of precious-metal specification: digits “833” in a rectangular frame.
Author’s name / silversmith’s mark: rare workshop stamp in the form of a stylized anchor/lyre (resembling the letter “J” in parentheses or an open umbrella).
Country of origin: Portugal (Porto)
Dating: Circa 1887–1937 (a hundred-percent antique from the turn of the century / Art Deco period).
Condition: Excellent. Sharp edges of the engraving tool and intact, century-old fire patina.