Wilhelm Christesen Antique Danish Silver Fish Server, Copenhagen, 1862

Decorated with engraved and pierced decoration of dolphins and classical themes including a bold central palmette, this fish server has a cast handle also featuring classical decoration.

Wilhelm (spelled both Wilhelm and Vilhelm) Christesen was an important Danish maker of the mid-late 19th century and this fish knife makes it easy to see why. The firm exhibited at Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876, where their work was:  

—Commended for creditable work and tasteful designs. She [sic] exhibits solid silver ware repousse of excellent design and workmanship; also chased work.The centre piece and tea set of solid silver are meritorious. (1)

This wonderful fish server is marked both on the handle and under the blade ‘W CHRISTESEN’ along with the 1862 Copenhagen silver mark and the assayer’s mark of Peter Hinnerup. Also on the blade, it is marked with two unidentified marks which may represent a retailer and/ or inventory mark. It measures 12.75 inches long, weighs 5.35 troy ounces and is in very good antique condition with some scratching from use.

Endnote:

1. Francis A. Walker Ed., United States Centennial Commission – International Exhibition 1876: Reports and Awards Group XI, (Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1877), p. 29.