A parcel-gilt silver and hardstone desk seal, mounted on a silver, enamel and baroque pearl figure of Der Dukatenkacker, probably Austro-Hungarian, late 19th century

the earlier figure wearing a pointed pearl hat, enamel blue striped jacket and lowered black trousers, crouching behind a bush and defecating coins from his pearl behind, on a cut-cornered rectangular lapis lazuli, silver and silver-gilt base, unmarked

man slightly loose, some losses and damages to enamel, would benefit from professional cleaning.
"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 figure of Dukatenkacker can either be in the form of a goose, donkey or man defecating coins. The image seems to originate in Germany as early as Middle Ages probably as an illustration of usury and speculation stemming from the new money economy. The term Dukatenscheißer was brought to a wider audience by the Grimm Brothers in their tale 'The Wishing tale, The Gold Ass and the Cudgel in the Sack', in which a donkey defecates gold ducats. An ivory figure of a man defecating coins, on a gilt wood plinth, Amsterdam, circa 1650, is in Eltz Schloss, Germany.