description

Jacobus Pothol

Jacobus Pothol, Middelburg, 1734
176 grams; 14 cm high

Detail Description

Maker’s mark I/ POTHOLT is attributed to Jacobus Potholt. Neither many data about Potholt have been registered other than that he became a master-silversmith at the Middelburg silbversmiths’ guild in 1699, nor many objects of his hand are known. This silver tea caddy is a quality item, made by Jacobus Potholt in 1734. This implies that he must have worked at least till 1734, having been 55-60 years of age at that time.



Futhermore, according to a guild invoice of 13 April 1711 Jacobus Potholt made a standing cup and cover for the Guild of Grocers, Pharmacists, Tabacco and Sugar dealers. Lambertus van der Toren, his fellow silversmiths’ guild member, did the gilding for this cup and cover, while his other fellow, Willem du Pré took care of the coat–of-arms on the cup. This cooperation is a good example of the way in which silversmiths used to work together within their guild.