Silver Spoon Antiques

 I haven't seen any research or pieces of silver made in the Danish possessions in India. This is an interesting example for someone looking for a project!  (Sold by Dore and Rees 2023) A LARGE TUREEN ON STAND, DANISH COLONIAL, POSSIBLY TRANQUEBAR, C.1820. A very large circular lidded tureen on a plate shaped stand, with lion mask ring handles. The ball finial surrounded by fluted chasing. The mark appears to refer to the standard of the alloy 14 Lod 8 Gr. (90.25%), along with a maker's mark FK. Most likely made by a Danish silversmith working in one of the Danish colonial possessions in India, the largest being Tranquebar where a Danish assay office and mint was located.  32.5 cm. high 3668 g. (inc. stand)

Silver from the Colonies... The British Empire sprung from overseas possessions and trading posts set-up by England from the end of the 16th century.  Although it was in the early 20th century that it was at its peak, it began being referred to as the British Empire in the nineteenth century.   A map showing the British Empire in 1886 Although the bulk of sterling silver items were made in the United Kingdom and exported to the colonies, wherever there were significant populations, gold and silversmiths were there working.  Items produced by these local silversmiths are known as 'British Colonial Silver'.   The most common (and most researched) places that British colonial silver will turn up from are India, Canada, South Africa and Australia.  Each of these have some great reference books available (let me know if you are interested in any of these, as I often have copies for sale).   An impressive piece made by Wendt, Australia (Image: Lawsons Auctio