Lot 18
  • 18

A Danish Art Nouveau Pewter Charity Box, Designed by Siegfried Wagner and Made by Mogens Ballin, Copenhagen, 1901

Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description

  • marked on base panel with MB monogram
  • Pewter
  • height 4 5/8 in.
  • 11.8cm
decorated in Jugendstil taste with incised and relief inscriptions relating to the Society for the Care of the Sick, one side with a quotation in Hebrew from Psalm 41, v. 2, the top with coin slot

Condition

some scratches to one side, numerous small nicks to lower body, surface cleaned
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalogue Note

This charity box was created for the Society for the Care of the Sick, Tiferes Jedidim, which was established in Copenhagen in 1821.  The design was by Siegfried Wagner (1874-1952), a well-known Danish sculptor, and the execution by Mogens Ballin (1871-1914).  The design is reproduced in the catalogue Mogens Ballins Vaerksted from the Vejenkunstmuseum, 2010, which includes a quote from a letter by Ballin, "I am quite busy at my workshop, since I am making a large order of 500 pewter boxes for a charity organization."  Wagner also designed a pewter Hanukah lamp that was made by Ballin's workshop (illustrated ibid.).