German Silver Flatware

[Lisa Mills]

I posted this originally in the blog area, but it should be here instead.....I need some help. Six years ago in Denver, Colorado I bought a set of Silver at an estate. The man who had died brought it back from Germany at the end of WWII and said that it was German officer's silver flatware. The family was ashamed he had "stole" it and never used it. Because it is stamped "Henckel" on each peice, I contacted Macy's in New York to get help. The lady said they never made silver flatware, then called me two days later apologizing. She had called someone in Germany and confirmed Henckel made silver flatware for the German Army. That was all she knew. I was told by a man involved in WWII militaria that it was worth about $1000.00 but he didn't know for sure because he didn't know anything about flatware.
Each peice is stamped either "Nicht Rostend" or "Friodur" on the blade, the Henckel name, the number "90" and a Henckel twin mark which resembles a swastika is on the handle of each peice. Can anyone help me determine a real value or history? I have learned recently that alot of soldiers "stole" Third Reich items and brought back to the states, so the story I was told rings truer to me now than it did back then. I was able to locate a similar gravy ladle on a website of Third Reich items, but I have not been able to locate flatware like this anywhere else. Thank you for any help!

[Sinfuldreams]

The History of the ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS Brand

What exists today as the most exclusive, best performing brand in the kitchen, the company's roots are steeped in 275 years of tradition.

The history of the ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS brand begins on June 13, 1731 (under the Gemini star sign). It was on that day that knife-maker Peter Henckels from Solingen registered the "TWIN" symbol as his trademark with the Cutlers´ Guild of Solingen. This symbol, which is now well-known all over the world, is thus one of the oldest trademarks in the world. Today´s name - ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS - was given to the Company by a descendant of Peter Henckels, Johann Abraham Henckels. http://usa.jahenckels.com/index.php?simple_view=1

While the Silver may indeed be stolen from a German Officer, it does not mean the flatware was made for the 3rd Reich. Those typically have the Swastika. How ever it could have... as could be expected Henkle does not talk about the war years on their website. $1000 is about the right ball park. Unless it could be proved to be 3rd Reich production may add value.

[Lisa Mills]

Thank you so much for your estimation. At this point the only clear admission of it being Third Reich flatware is the representative from Henckel telling me that it was made in 1939 and they have no pictures of any peices of it in existance other than a 1951 picture. They asked no less than 3 times for me to send it to them so they can inspect it and photograph it, but I'm not going to do that.

Lisa

Sinfuldreams said:

The History of the ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS Brand

What exists today as the most exclusive, best performing brand in the kitchen, the company's roots are steeped in 275 years of tradition.

The history of the ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS brand begins on June 13, 1731 (under the Gemini star sign). It was on that day that knife-maker Peter Henckels from Solingen registered the "TWIN" symbol as his trademark with the Cutlers´ Guild of Solingen. This symbol, which is now well-known all over the world, is thus one of the oldest trademarks in the world. Today´s name - ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS - was given to the Company by a descendant of Peter Henckels, Johann Abraham Henckels. http://usa.jahenckels.com/index.php?simple_view=1

While the Silver may indeed be stolen from a German Officer, it does not mean the flatware was made for the 3rd Reich. Those typically have the Swastika. How ever it could have... as could be expected Henkle does not talk about the war years on their website. $1000 is about the right ball park. Unless it could be proved to be 3rd Reich production may add value.