An Austro-Hungarian silver and lapis sculptural presentation piece, Vienna, circa 1900

resting on an angular wood plinth, the stepped base applied in gilt with a foliate scroll border and an industrial trophy to the front, the lower part applied to the front and sides with plaques of a steel plant and iron and steel rollers and workers, the reverse embossed in relief with men labouring at a furnace, below a sculptural group of a wasted labourer with a pickaxe and jacket slung over his shoulder, standing behind a seated young woman handing grapes to a child,  an owl perched on a book to her left, flanked by two cherubs and corinthian lapis lazuli pillars, supporting a pediment applied with a lapis lazuli plaque and inscribed, decorated with a portrait medallion and cherubs, Signed fecit C. Waschmann

Missing applied foliage to the lapis. The portrait medallion detached and with incomplete wreath. Needs cleaning, otherwise in reasonable condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The inscription reads WITKOWITZER BERGBAV u. EISENHÜTTENGEWERKSCHAFT IHREM LANGJÄHR MITARBEITER   1878 EMIL HOLZ 1901

Karl Waschmann, 'ziseleur' (chaser), who was born in Vienna on 20 May 1848, was an exhibitor at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900, when he was recorded at Kandlegasse 3, Vienna.

Waltraud Neuwirth, Lexikon Wiener Gold-und Silberschmiede und Ihre Punzen, 1867-1922, Vienna, 977, p. 264.