A German gilt bronze, repoussé and enamelled silver, silvered copper and serpentine centrepiece, by Royal Bavarian Court Goldsmith Theodor Heiden, after a design by Caspar von Zumbusch Munich, circa 1900

centred by a tower surmounted by the Austrian Imperial eagle astride a globe with an illegible inscription, the tower with turrets above a blue enamelled plaque inscribed In Treue fest, together with another black enameled placque inscribed Viribus Unitis and the enamelled Hapsburg coat of arms, the tower marked Th. Heiden Minchen, 800 with halfmoon and crown hallmarks, the base surmounted by various military trophies including canons, flags, sabres, rifles, an axe, an anchor and various military musical trophies, including various hats and helmets, above a serpentine base, applied with six removable silvered copper medals, with five gilt-bronze military figures on horseback and a standing figure of an admiral supporting himself on a balustrade on the prow of a ship, on a gilt bronze base, each bronze figure impressed with foundry mark K.K. Kunst-Erzgiesserei Wien

In overall very good original condition. Some minor bending to one or two silver trophies. Minor scratches and stains to the bronze and the silver consistent with age and use. One gilt bronze figure of a rider is slightly wobbly which can be fixed easily. A most unusual piece by an important goldsmith.
"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."

Comparative Literature:
Exhibition catalogue, Michael Koch and Peter Weidisch, Theodor Heiden, Königlich Bayerischer Hofgoldschmied, Würzburg, 1997, for information on life and work of Theodor Heiden.

This impressive centrepiece is an highly interesting product of the collaboration between the Royal Bavarian Court Goldsmith Theodor Heiden and the sculptor Caspar von Zumbusch. It is based on the design of the famous monument to Empress Maria Theresa by Caspar von Zumbusch, which was unveiled in Vienna in 1887. Also the sculptures of Count Radetzky and Archduke Albrecht on the offered centrepiece are miniature versions of Zumbusch's monuments to the two commanders unveiled in Vienna in 1891 and 1898–1899. It is not surprising that the two artists collaborated as they were friends and were both members of Munich's renowned artist society 'Allotria' as well as members of the 'Bayerischen Kunstgewerbeverein' (Bavarian Applied Arts Association). 
The previously unrecorded centrepiece offered here was mentioned in the Deutsche Goldschmiede-Zeitung, III. Edition 1900 on page 261: "Im Kunstgewerbehaus in München fesselt zur Zeit ein grosser Tafelaufsatz des Hofgoldschmiedes Theodor Heiden die Aufmerksamkeit. Nicht die Kostbarkeit des Materials, sondern dessen treffliche künstlerische Verwertung ist es, die an diesem Prunkstück erfreut. Inmitten eines durch Zinnen krenelierten sechseckigen Festungswerkes erhebt sich ein in Silber getriebener Turm mit Söller etc., einem alten Ruinenteil der Habsburg nachgebildet. Seine Zinnen überragt ein goldener Aar mit weit gespannten Flügeln, scharf in die Ferne äugend, die österreichische Kaiserkrone auf dem ausdrucksvollen Kopfe. Um den Fuss des Turmes sind eroberte Waffentrophäen gehäuft, türkische Heerzeichen, Fahne, Trommeln, etc., und von der krenelierten Schanze springen sechs abgestumpfte Enden vor, auf denen Heerführer Österreichs nach bekannten Monumenten in Miniaturausführung, Prinz Eugen, Erzherzog Karl, Fürst Schwarzenberg, Radetzky, Erzherzog Albrecht und Admiral Tegetthoff, Platz gefunden haben, und dazwischen auf dem im leichten Bogen ausladenden Wall die prächtigen Porträtmedaillons der Gefeierten. Das Ganze ruht auf einem roten Plüschsockel und ist ein tüchtiges ehrenvolles Zeugnis der Münchner Goldschmiedekunst, das den altbewährten Ruhm weiter festigen wird."

Each gilt-bronze military figure and its corresponding medal on the present centrepiece represents a different victorious commander of the Imperial Hapsburg army and navy.

Archduke Albrecht of Austria, Duke of Teschen (1817-1895):
Archduke Albrecht was Field marshal and General Inspector of the Austrian-Hungarian Army. The sculptor Caspar von Zumbusch designed his monument which was unveiled in Vienna on 21st May 1899.
His depiction on the present centre piece is identical to the sculpture in Vienna.
The corresponding medal was executed by the celebrated Viennese medalist, Anton Scharff (1845-1903). One side depicts a portrait of the Archduke and the text "Feldmarschall Erzherzog Albrecht v. Oesterreich 1817-1895", the other side is showing his monument in Vienna and the text "Dem Allerhöchsten Kriegsherrn seiner Majestät dem Kaiser und König Franz Josef I. zum 2. Dec. 1898 Oseterreich-Ungrans bewaffnete Macht".

Wilhelm von Tegetthoff (1827-1871):
Wilhelm von Tegetthoff was an admiral in the Austrian navy and was considered one of the prominent naval commanders of the 19th century,  known for his innovative tactics as well as his inspirational leadership. He was the victor at the battles of Heligoland (1864) and Lissa (1866). The sculptor Carl Kundmann designed his monument which was unveiled in Vienna on 21st September 1886.
The corresponding medal was executed by Josef Hermann Tautenhayn (1837-1911) and depicts a portrait and the text "Wilhelm von Tegetthoff" on one side and his monument as well as the texts "Tapfer kämpfend bei Helgoland", "Dem Vive-Admiral Wilhelm von Tegetthoff 1877", "Glorreich siegend bei Lissa" and "Erwarb er unsterblichen Ruhm sich und Oesterreichs Seemacht" on the other side.

Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg (1771-1820):
The Prince was a Field marshal in the Austrian army and led the Allied army in Napoleon's decisive defeat at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. 
His monument on the Schwarzenbergplatz in Vienna was designed by the sculptor Ernst Julius Hähnel and unveiled in 1867.
The corresponding medal is also a work by Josef Hermann Tautenhayn. One side depicts a portrait and the text "Feldmarschall Fürst Carl zu Schwarzenberg" the other side is showing his monument and the text "Dem siegreichen Heerführer der Verbündeten in den Kriegen von 1813 und 1814" as well as "Errichtet von Kaiser Franz Josef I. 1867".

Johann Joseph Wenzel Count Radetzky of Radetz (1766-1858):
Count Radetzky was an Austrian general, immortalised by Johann Strauss I's Radetzky March. General Radetzky was in the military for over 70 years, until his death at age 91, and is known for the victories at the Battles of Custoza (1848) and Novara (1849).
His monument was also designed by Caspar von Zumbusch and was unveiled in Vienna in 1892. His depiction on the present centrepiece is identical to the sculpture in Vienna.
The corresponding medal was executed by Anton Scharff and shows the count's portrait together with the text "Jos. Graf Radetzky von radetz K.K. Feldmarschall Geb. 1766 Gest 1858." on one side and his monument together with the text "Zur Enthüllung seines Denkmals Wien 1892" on the other side.

Prince Eugene of Savoy (1663-1736):
Prince Eugene was one of the most successful military commanders in modern European history, rising to the highest offices of state at the Imperial court after several glorious victories against the Turks.
His monument in Vienna was designed by the sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn and unveiled in 1865.
The corresponding medal was executed by Carl Radnitzky (1818-1901). One side depicts a portrait of the prince and the text "Prinz Eugen der Edle Ritter", the other side is depicting his monument and the texts "Dem weisen Rathgeber dreier Kaiser. Dem ruhmreichen Sieger über Oesterreichs Feinde" and "Kaiser Franz Joseph I. MDCCCLXV".

Archduke Carl of Austria, Duke of Teschen (1771-1847):
Archduke Carl was a Field marshal who commanded respect both as a commander and as a reformer of the Austrian army. He was considered one of Napoleon's most formidable opponents. His monument at the Heldenplatz in Vienna was also designed by Anton Dominik Fernkorn.
The corresponding medal which is also a work by Carl Radnitzky depicts a portrait of the Archduke on the front together with the text "Carl Erzherzog von Oesterreich" and his monument and the texts "Dem heldenmüthigen Führer der Heere Oesterreichs", "Dem beharrlichen Kaempfer für Deutschlands Ehre" and "22. Mai 1860" on the reverse.


Theodor Heiden (1853-1928), Royal Bavarian Court Goldsmith
Theodor Heiden became a silversmith in 1880. In 1882 he opened the doors of his own workshop and in 1897 he was appointed as Royal silversmith. Heiden spent time in Vienna too. There he met Anton Seder, an artisan, painter and architect. Heiden's taste for the Neo-Gothic and Renaissance was inspired by Seder and was typical for the patriotic enthusiasm for the epoque of Dürer and Holbein. He often copied or reinterpreted 16th and 17th century silver works. The peak of his collaboration with Anton Seder was the execution of the centrepiece "Der Gral" in spring 1900 for the World Exhibition in Paris. Today it is in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum in Munich and reproduced here in fig.1.

Caspar von Zumbusch (1830-1915)
Zumbusch was a German born sculptor, who became a pre-eminent sculptor of neo-Baroque monuments in Vienna. He went at the age of eighteen to study in Munich. He won the competition in 1866 for a monument to Maximilian II of Bavaria in Munich (unveiled 1875). In 1873 he was called to Vienna as professor in the academy, a post he held until he was made Professor Emeritus in 1901.

We are grateful to Maximilian Heiden, Munich for his kind assistance in the preparation of this footnote.