Original German WWII AH Informal Pattern Silver Fish Knife Original Items

Original Item: Only One available. Silver, flatware and serving pieces were specifically made for the residences of AH. The “AH” silverware mostly seen by collectors today was made by the Bruckmann firm of Heilbronn. There are other patterns produced by other companies, but they are much rarer and do not seem as collectible. The Bruckmann flatware was produced in two pattern types. The most prevalent, and most desirable because of its detail, is the so-called “Formal” pattern. This pattern displays a detailed, raised-out, closed-winged Party eagle with swas, and has the Führer’s monogram, “A” and “H” positioned to the left and right respectively on each side of the wreath. Additionally the handle is bordered with an attractive design known as “Greek Key”.

The so-called “Informal” pattern contains the eagle and monogram only, and the stylized eagle design is depicted, with little detail. These pieces are so simply designed they almost convey a look of substantial wear on the surfaces of the bird. This pattern, however, seems to be much rarer. It is not known why the “Informal” pattern was produced, but it is thought to have been possibly used as a “Luncheon” pattern, and only at one of the larger residences, perhaps at the Chancellery.

It is generally believed there were approximately 3,000 pieces of the “Formal” pattern produced, and only about 1000 pieces of the “Informal”. Obviously serving pieces such as an asparagus fork or sugar tongs would have been produced in far less quantity than standard forks, knives and spoons. Either pattern is hallmarked in the identical manner, and the marks appear stamped in line, being a crescent, a crown, “800”, and a Prussian eagle. Serving trays and larger serving utensils are not usually silver, but are normally silvered plate. These pieces generally were produced by the Wellner firm, and are stamped with a “W”, and usually a silver plating content number.

This Fish Knife is in wonderful condition but is tarnished as none had daed to polish in the past 75 years! It measures 8 inches long. The blade has a shape design to aid in the process of removing the fish from the bone. The handle is the standard Informal Pattern type. There is no decoration on the Informal Pattern beyond a plain, raised eagle clutching wreathed swas and AH’s initials, “A” and “H”. The reverse is marked with the standard Formal Pattern hallmarks; a crescent, an Imperial crown, “800” and an Imperial eagle. A very fine piece, being a very rare type.