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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;GoodEyeGifts, post: 213288, member: 4076&quot;]Yes, I just photographed this mark today. I believe I have captured the best photo on the web yet. The arrow through the grasshopper is clearly defined.</p><p><br /></p><p>An interesting theory of mine about that arrow (though I could be way off):</p><p><br /></p><p>I wonder if the arrow signifies Kindberg&#039;s dissatisfaction or political views of the French monarchy at that time. The reason why I wonder this is because I know that the French used bugs as part of their hallmarking system. (If the bug was from a bird&#039;s eye view, then it was from a French province. If the bug was in profile, then it was made in Paris itself.) Well, Kindberg chose to do an arrow straight through the bug.</p><p><br /></p><p>In addition, Kindberg lived during the most turbulent time in all of France&#039;s history. Every year was a campaign, revolution, or war--if not all three. Based on Kindberg&#039;s time of production (1824-1838), I believe it reasonable to deduce he probably lived during the great French Revolution (or was brought up during it) which eventually gave way to the Napoleonic Wars. The monarchy was changing hands left and right as they fought over the throne--and as the people revolted against the monarchy forcing the abdication of some of the kings. In fact, between 1804 and 1848, the throne changed hands 9 times.</p><p><br /></p><p>Well, if the grasshopper represents France (or if in profile, Paris itself), and there is an arrow through it, it seems to me there could be a lot read into this. Do I have a piece that gives a glimpse of the sentiment of the people at the time? I sure wish I knew a French silver antique expert/historian that could tell me a little more about Kindberg. How did Kindberg come to be in France? (Sounds like a name of Jewish-German descent.) How did he come to be a silversmith? Why was Kindberg&#039;s time of production so brief? When did he die? What did he die from? Was he killed in war? Was he forced to flee the country? Etc...</p><p><br /></p><p>I will say one thing: his stuff sure is popular at the auction houses in France. But no one knows of him on this side of the world. I wonder what the French know that we don&#039;t.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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