German 800 Reichsmark Silver Service Set & Hermès Silk Scarves Shine at Showplace’s Backstage Auction

A German 800 silver dinner service in the Neoclassical style is among the leading lots in Showplace’s upcoming auction. Each piece has “WTB” for Wilhelm T. Binder of Schwäbisch Gmünd and an “800” marking. They also bear the Reichsmark of the crescent moon and crown. The set comprises six dinner forks, one luncheon fork, and seven dinner knives. Before 1886, German law required silver to be marked “800,” and sometimes “Sterling Germany.” Silver pieces had to be at least 800/1,000-coin standard in purity for export to England and America. By 1888, individual city marks had to be replaced by the compulsory national mark or Reichsmark made of a crescent moon and crown, like the ones on the available silver articles.

An Hermès square silk twill scarf in the “Farandole” pattern by Caty Latham, decorated with butterflies in pastel blues and pinks, is another notable lot in the sale. The history of Hermès silk scarves dates back to its founder, Thierry Hermès, a harness and saddle maker. His love for horse riding is apparent in the earliest pieces of silk scarves the company created in 1937. The motifs have always centered around horses and horse-driven carriages. Each color is added layer upon layer with a technique invented in Japan in the 12th century. The sale also offers jewelry, fine art, decorative art and furniture. Visit Bidsquare to find the listed items and browse other online auctions.