Przeworsk belt buckle, silver, Poland, 17th century.
The buckle is a part of the fastener of the Przeworsk belt, was made of silver and dates back to the 17th century. Przeworsk belts were part of the representative attire of the Polish nobility, so the buckles were decorated with striking scenes and rich ornamentation. This is a larger, massive piece, rather intended for a man. The central part of the buckle is filled with a figural scene showing a man holding a scepter or torch, depicted between two standing griffins. The spaces between the figures are filled with single swirls and flowers typical of Baroque design. An engraved geometric pattern is placed on the slanted sides of the buckle. At the edges of the scene the heads of the fastening rivets are visible, and on the side of the buckle there is a cast openwork application, the so-called "tongue".
So-called “apostle” spoon with St. Simon, silver, England, 18th century.
Spoon, so called "apostolic" with a handle topped with a full-figured figure of St. Simon Zelota holding a saw, which is his attribute. The head of the saint topped with a circular shield with a representation of a bird (probably a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit). Item of liturgical or collectible nature.
Stepping lion, gilt silver, Western Europe, 17th-18th century.
Small, realistically reproduced figurine of a lion with clear detail of the mouth and mane, made of silver, partly fire-gilded. Set on a slightly curved, florist-decorated pedestal. Visible traces of handwork - chiseling and engraving. Probably a fragment of a larger object - a reliquary, ceremonial casket or processional gate.
Wooden spoon with initial “V”, Poland, 19th century.
Hand-carved wooden spoon, 23 cm long, from Poland, dating to the 19th century or earlier. The bowl is deep, clearly utilitarian, with traces of use. The handle decorated with serrated line engravings and an initial "V", acting as identification of the owner. At the end a preserved thong with an old paper collector's tag attached.
In the 19th century in Poland, spoons of this type were among the basic items of everyday use on rural and pastoral farms. They were made by hand from a single piece of wood, which was part of the tradition of Polish folk craftsmanship, based on simple, durable materials.
Copies with preserved markings are rare today, documenting the development of Polish material culture and everyday practices of village life.