- 118
A pair of German parcel-gilt silver-mounted centrepieces, Eduard Wollenweber, Munich, circa 1890
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- shell, silver
- 32cm. high;12 5/8 in
the circular bases applied with fruit festoons, winged cherubs’ heads and rams’ skulls, mermaids with water ornament holding the turbo shells each containing a `pearl', dragon finials
Condition
Both shells a little loose on the base, condition of both is good with the exception of two missing elements (probably water lilies) from the base of one. the bases stamped: 'ED WOLLENWEBER,' German hallmarks in use from 1 January 1888 and maker's mark on one
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The firm of Eduard Wollenweber, celebrated goldsmiths in 19th century Munich, was conducted by two men of that name, father and son, who were respectively born in 1822 and 1847; the elder Wollenweber, who died in 1899, outlived his son by ten years. The excellence of their work was recognized by a large group of important customers, chief among whom was King Ludwig II (1845-1886). A number of silver, silver-gilt and gilt bronze items supplied to him by Wollenweber were included in the exhibition, König Ludwig II. und die Kunst (Munich, June-October, 1968). The firm also made the silver-gilt funerary urn for the King’s heart in the royal chapel at Altötting. A swan centrepiece similar to the items for sale, thought to have been made for Ludwig II, is illustrated in the exhibition catalogue Macht & Pracht, Europas Glanze im 19. Jahrhundert, Neustadt, 2006, pp. 78. See the same exhibition p. 152 for a model of the mermaids in reverse by the Goldsmith to the Prussian Royal family Sy & Wagner, circa 1870.