MARK OF JOHANN GEORG HOSSAUER, BERLIN, 1821-1841, 15 LÖTH

These candlesticks, engraved with the Order of the Black Eagle, and with the initial W with Royal Prussian Crown above, formed part of the wedding service of Prince Wilhelm of Prussia, later Emperor Wilhelm I, and his wife Princes Augusta. The service was commissioned from Hossauer in 1829 was inspired by English silver of the 18th century. It was made in higher standard of 15 löth and was intended to show that the Royal Prussian silversmiths could produce silver of a quality equal or even superior to that of Britain, while using the latest manufacturing techniques. In the exhibition catalogue held at Stiftung Stadtmuseum, Berlin (Gold und Silber für den König, Johann George Hossauer (1794-1874) Goldschmied Sr. Majestät des Königs, 1998) a number of pieces from the service are illustrated, some of which were sold from the Prussian Royal Collection, Christie's London, 31 October and 1 November 2002, lot 194-202, 204.