Vintage Scandinavian Jewelry

Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail

Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail
Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail
Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail
Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail
Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail

Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail
Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail. Wonderful sterling silver folk tale spoon from well respected Norwegian silver makers, Thorvald Marthinsen of Tonsberg.

The subject is Little Red Riding Hood, aka Little Red Cap, Red Riding Hood or "Rod Hette" as it says on the spoon, the beloved children's folk tale, that dates to 17th Century Europe (and earlier), about the young girl who goes to visit her old granny and encounters the Big Bad Wolf instead. The story has had many iterations in different cultures throughout the years, including Norse myth, and this spoon is a marvelous depiction. The little girl, with her famous cap and basket of goodies, appears to be caressing the neck of the ferocious wild beast at her side, as if he were her trusty dog. The engraving on this spoon is highly detailed, from the buttons on her dress to the texturing of his fur. What is especially wonderful is the expression on their faces.

Both the girl and the wolf have wide open eyes and their lips turn down at the corners, in a kind of wry resignation. Scallops and curlicues set off the captioned pair, framing them like a painting or the frontispiece to a book and are echoed atop the bowl of the spoon and again on the back. The spoon is engraved in fancy script on the handle between the scalloping, "Fra Oldemor" which I think translates as From Great Grandmother. I have learned from someone of Norwegian descent these spoons were popular Christening gifts and this one likely honors the birth of a girl. On the back, near the top, is engraved the name "Diane Anitra, " likely the baby.

To their left are hand engraved numbers, again stacked, "9 50 21" and perpendicular to them, the number "15" is hand engraved, followed by "MRK" in relief. MND is the birth month, September, AR is the year, 1950 and CM is centimeters, (the length of the baby), 21. MRK is likely the weight, 15. So this spoon is not just a useful implement but also a family record, folk legend lesson and a work of art!

The venerable firm of Marthinsen began business in 1883. Known for its excellence in silver making, it has long been silversmith to the Royal Family, supplying the Royal Residences. Measuring about 5-7/8 long, it weighs 24.8 grams. The spoon is in Very Good / Excellent vintage condition, with just dirt, light surface scratches and tarnish as expected due to age.

Please pardon any dark spots in the bowl of the spoon in the photos; they are due to reflections and my poor photography skills only and are not on the spoon. It will enhance your table and your meals, making quite a conversation piece. If they remember the words, on seeing this spoon, people may even break into song, Hey there little Red Riding Hood, you sure are looking good. You're everything that a big bad wolf could want! With its interesting motif and wealth of detail, so effectively rendered, this spoon is a superb example of the fine workmanship and design that characterize the most collectible vintage Scandinavian silver. It belongs equally in collections of twentieth century design, Scandinavian silver, Norse history, folk tales and silverware. Although I doubt you will want to part with it, this spoon would make a terrific gift and will come to you in a gift box, just in case. It will be a fine addition to anyone's collection.

Please see our other listings for more great vintage items. Both methods include gift box.

International buyers aware of the rules and expenses of importing into their country are welcome. WE LOVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS!

If you have a complaint, please let us know. It is our highest ambition to deserve 5 Stars. We thank you for your custom! Powered by SixBit's eCommerce Solution. The item "Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail" is in sale since Thursday, August 18, 2016.

This item is in the category "Antiques\Silver\Sterling Silver (. The seller is "momandpopcybershop" and is located in Houston, Texas. This item can be shipped worldwide.


Th Marthinsen 830S LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Spoon Norway Silver ThorvaldDetail