Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon – Greenhood Orchid Design – Christoph Widmann, Germany, 10.5 cm, 9 g

Description

A finely crafted sterling silver souvenir spoon attributed to Christoph Widmann of Germany, noted for his high-quality silverwork.

   •   Material: Sterling silver, stamped .925 with maker’s mark

   •   Length: 10.5 cm

   •   Weight: 9 grams

   •   Design: The finial is modelled as a naturalistic orchid stem, very likely a Greenhood Orchid (Pterostylis sp.), with its distinctive hooded flower form. The handle shows fine texture, and the bowl is hand-hammered with an attractive reflective surface.

   •   Maker: Christoph Widmann, Germany (post-war period, c.1950s–70s), renowned for detailed and innovative silverwork

   •   Condition: Very good estate condition, with light surface wear consistent with age. Crisp casting and hammering, no dents or repairs.

Historical Note

Christoph Widmann established his silversmithing workshop in Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany in 1946. His designs often incorporated natural motifs, executed with precision and artistry. This piece is of special interest as it likely depicts the Greenhood Orchid, a wildflower native to Australia and New Zealand. Its presence on a German-made spoon suggests it was either a special commission or produced for the tourist/export market, making it a rare and collectible design.

A beautiful and unusual sterling silver spoon that will appeal to collectors of orchids, natural history themes, and fine 20th-century European silver.