Plate (2) - Pewter - Zutphen, 18th century

Two rare 18th-century tin plates – Master G·K, Zutphen – Dubbe fig. 603 (2)

A particularly fine pair of rare, identical 18th-century tin dining plates / trenchers, manufactured by Master G·K in Zutphen.
Both plates are in a beautiful, authentic condition and bear on their underside an exceptionally sharp series of four silver-like pseudo marks (hallmarks) in separate shields:
1. A crenellated city gate / fortress (the city coat of arms of Zutphen) with the master’s initials G·K.
2. A climbing lion to the left.
3. A second lion.
4. A standing figure.
Directly beneath the row of marks sits, on both plates, the official, deeply struck tremolier stroke (touch mark/proof stroke of the finisher/tin decorator). Below are old owner initials L L engraved/ struck.
Museal & Literature Reference:
This specific mark is extensively documented in the authoritative standard work by B. Dubbe, Tin and tin decorators in the Netherlands, fig. 603, in response to an identically marked plate in the permanent collection of the Stedelijk Museum Zutphen.
The fact that this is an original, identical pair from the same workshop and period makes this lot especially attractive for collectors of early Dutch applied art and regional Gelderland/Achterhoek history.
Origin/Maker: Master G·K, Zutphen, Netherlands
Dating: 18th century (ca. 1730–1780)
Reference: B. Dubbe, fig. 603
Diameter: ca. 27.5 cm each
Quantity: 2 pieces (pair)
Condition: Good, authentic antique condition with a nicely aged patina, light signs of use and age (small scratches/surface irregularities) commensurate with age and use. No notable dents or restorations. The marks and the tremolier stroke are remarkably clear and deeply preserved.