An electroplated electrotype replica of a basin from the Hildesheim Treasure, Christofle & Cie., Paris, circa 1870

‘AN ANTIQUE TREASURE TROVE. - One of the most magnificent treasure troves, consisting of a large number of silver vessels of splendid workmanship (three barrows full), has come to light near Hildesheim, at a depth of about 9ft. A piece of land recently bought by the military authorities near the so-called Galgenberg was, by their orders, being transformed into a shooting ground, and during the excavations connected with this process the spade of a soldier struck something which turned out to be a huge inverted silver vase, underneath which a number of other silver objects were discovered. Close to this was next unearthed a similar vase, covering more articles of silver, and so from one mound after another a large collection of vessels was dug up, which had been evidently placed there for the purpose of concealment. . . . At first it was thought that the objects found belonged to the sixteenth or seventeenth century, and the name of Benevenuto Cellini rose to everybody’s lips. . . . But these and similar notions were soon dispelled by Professor [Friedrich] Wieseler [1811-1892], the famous archæologist, who at once declared all these treasures to be unquestionably antique. Inscriptions, at present to the number of 24, found on the objects, disposed of the last shadow of a doubt. All the articles are in silver, partly gilt, the reliefs being throughout in raised work. . . . Everything points to a concealment of this table service in the Augustan age, but the details have yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile the excavations are carefully carried on.’¹

The International Exhibition, London, 1871

‘On MM. Chistofle’s stand in the French Annexe is a highly interesting set of vessels, rare specimens of ancient classic silversmith work. They are reproductions in silver electrotype of the Hildesheim Treasure – the collection probably complete, of ancient Roman plate discovered at Hildesheim in 1868. there are about thirty pieces, some of exquisite beauty and fineness of design, all of great interest, many of great art value. Excepting the silver toilet service of a Roman bride, which was discovered hidden in the cellar of an ancient villa at Rome, and is now in the Balacas collection at the British Museum, there is probably no other so remarkable a collection.’²

A set of Christofle’s electrotypes of pieces from the Hildesheim treasure was acquired by the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum) in 1874. One of the items, the same as this present example, was described as follows: ‘323.’74. DISH: silvered. Twelve bowls are recessed round the outer part of the base, apparently to hold eggs; the bottom is engraved with conventional flowers. H. 1 15/16 in., diam., 10 ¾ in. . . . A concave dish with twelve bowls or recesses beaten downwards round the rim. The spandril points between the heads of these oval bowls issue twelve flowers, meeting as rays round a six-leaved central rose. This work is chased.’³

1. Pall Mall Gazette, London, Friday, 11 December 1868, pp. 2b/3a

2. The Graphic, London, Saturday, 16 September 1871, p. 283c

3. John Hungerford Pollen, Ancient and Modern Gold and Silver Smiths’ Work in the South Kensington Museum, London, 1878, p. 294