A German parcel-gilt silver centrepiece, Eduard Wollenweber, Munich, circa 1890

in the form of four wave-like bowls above sea horses, bullrushes and other water plants, underside with Royal cyphter A and numbered 41, on an associated red velvet lined wood base with silver plated copper mounts

Some denting to shell bowls, tiny split to the edge of one shell, a few dents to sheet scroll sheet ornament, one leaf detached but with object, light wear to gilding, but generally very nice and in good condition, stand in red velvet looks wonderful but somewhat worn, mounts need refixing and slight warping to the base,
"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 firm of Eduard Wollenweber, celebrated goldsmiths in 19^th 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.