Hello Everyone, I just bought this unidentified Silver and wood box. Was I right in thinking it’s Johann Franz Jr. of Schwabisch? I wasn’t sure, as some of the marks show the initials in a box. I will add the box when I receive it. Needs a little TLC, I would like advice on. Just curious if it’s who I thought? Finally, a clear mark!! Thank you for looking.
Given that Germany allowed a wide range of silver qualities and he apparently had a long working life, I would not be inclined to worry about the difference between 835S and Sterling 925 (as long as the conjoined JF is there and reasonably consistent with the example, of course.)
Thank you, Bakers! There are not many examples of his work. I did find this https://www.etsy.com/listing/518554039/art-deco-gilt-sterling-cigarette-case but mine is not really like this one.
Looking forward, inh. The town is called Schwäbisch Gmünd, a well-known name in Germany. The town and its silver- and goldsmiths have a very interesting history. It is a small town, but the Gmünders could compete with the main silver and goldtowns in southern Germany, Pforzheim, Munich and Augsburg. This was because it was semi-independent for a long time, and the restrictions imposed on the other manufacturers by the arrogant south German rulers didn't apply to them. They made some beautiful objects and jewellery, and were famous for their silver filigree and gold jewellery set with Bohemian garnets.
Thank you for the background information, AJ! Mine is in need of TLC, but I think a good price, as it was unidentified. No gems, I’m afraid. I will start a new thread when I get it. I want to spruce it up. I wonder about the age. I know these were somewhat popular in like the 70s? But I don’t know.
I have a soft spot for Schwäbisch Gmünd. My great-grandmother's family once ruled over a similar tiny semi-independent region, which only became part of the Netherlands in 1806. Places like that always remind me of that old British movie 'The Mouse That Roared', with Peter Sellers. It is a really nice quality box, and no major work needed, just a little tlc.
inh, I just found this (and check out the price ): https://www.ebay.de/itm/Feine-Sterl...dor-Franz-Johann-jr-10-5-x-9-cm-/362620858373 Same mark as yours, on a sterling box. It wasn't unusual for German makers to use different finenesses.
That one is Beautiful! Thank you for finding it. I hope to be able to spruce up the wood on mine. It’s very plain compared to that one. But I’m happy with it. Mine was $34. US.
It just looks very dry and a bit tired. With some oil or wax and maybe a touch of extra colour around the edges it will look much better. Your is a different style, but intricate.
I have this other Floral engraved one en route. https://www.antiquers.com/threads/835-silver-mark.45364/
It is lovely. I tried to find that mark too, but no luck so far. I think it is CL, but tried GL as well, just in case. There were so many German makers, and all of them made beautiful 'stuff'.
