Lier, 1744, Regency Style Mustard Pot, Joannes Franciscus Avontroodt, Solid Silver,

Extremely rare Regency style mustard pot in solid silver dating from 1744 and coming from one of the smallest towns and production centers of the Southern Netherlands, Lier (or Lierres in French). The hallmarks of the goldsmiths of this town were until now almost unknown and generally considered to be unknown goldsmiths from Mechelen or Antwerp. Confusion due to the fact that their pieces had to be controlled and hallmarked by the guilds of these two nearest large towns. The incredible research work of Mr. Marc Mees has recently completely changed the situation. His magnificent 320-page book and the wonderful temporary exhibition of goldsmithing from Lier that he has just organized in the town museum bring this local but very interesting production out of the shadows. I recommend to all those interested to read his magnum opus "Liers Zilver". It is thanks to him that I was able to identify the master goldsmith of this beautiful mustard pot in the Regency style but from the Louis XV period, Joannes Franciscus Avontroodt, born in 's Heerenberg in the land of Gelderland in what is now the Netherlands. He arrived in Lier in 1725 and had already obtained a mastery of goldsmithing but we do not know where exactly. Until his death in 1754, he produced civil and religious goldwork. After his death, his widow Catharina Pescheur continued his workshop until 1765-1766 when their son took over the activities. A third generation of Avontroodt goldsmiths followed in the nineteenth century. The mustard pot in question is - as is often the case in the province - slightly behind stylistically with the fashion of the major production centers. His Regency engraving nevertheless testifies to great know-how. The city and year hallmarks are from Malinois for the year 1744. The guild officials apparently did not have much confidence in their colleagues from Lier, as there are still traces of five silver catches or "striches." Usually, coins from the old regime rarely have more than two....