ANTIQUE 20thC AUSTRIAN SOLID SILVER CENTERPIECE, VINCENT MAYERS SOHNE c.1900
Antique early-20th Century Austrian exceptional solid silver centerpiece, crafted in the image of a majestic vessel, this remarkable piece features the regal visage of a beast adorning its prow, while a celestial cherub guides its course from the stern with outstretched wings. Resting upon the sturdy backs of four graceful dolphins, this ornate creation stands proudly atop an oval base crafted from ebonized wood, accented with a resplendent silver leaf-form rim. Hallmarked Austrian-Hungarian silver (Diana head 800), Makers mark V.M.S (Vincentz Mayers Sohne).
Reference Number: E10157
DESCRIPTION
Antique early-20th Century Austrian exceptional solid silver centerpiece, crafted in the image of a majestic vessel, this remarkable piece features the regal visage of a beast adorning its prow, while a celestial cherub guides its course from the stern with outstretched wings. Resting upon the sturdy backs of four graceful dolphins, this ornate creation stands proudly atop an oval base crafted from ebonized wood, accented with a resplendent silver leaf-form rim. Hallmarked Austrian-Hungarian silver (Diana head 800), Makers mark V.M.S (Vincentz Mayers Sohne).
Established in 1810, this renowned establishment rivaled Rothe in reputation. Situated at Stock-in-Eisen-Platz 7, within Vienna's first district, it specialized in crafting the esteemed Imperial Austrian Orders, alongside smaller adornments like the Marianna Cross and Red Cross decorations. Notably, they fashioned insignias for various nations, including Greece, Romania, and Serbia. Their pieces often featured a prominent circular plaque on the reverse side, bearing the imperial Austrian eagle and the name. Marked with the initials "V.M" in multiple locations, their badges and stars bore distinctive craftsmanship. Following Vincenz Mayer's demise in 1865, his three sons, Vincenz, Joseph, and Franz, adeptly assumed control of the enterprise. Their hallmark, typically framed as "VMS," denoted exceptional quality, earning them the prestigious title of K.u.K. (royal and imperial) court jewellers, later appointed chamber jewellers to the Emperor and Empress. However, succumbing to the economic turmoil ensuing from the First World War, V. Mayer's Söhne shuttered its doors in 1922.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - Wear expected with age. Please refer to photographs.
SIZE
Height: 31 cm // 12.2 in
Width: 41 cm // 16.14 in
Depth: 16 cm // 6.3 in
Weight: 1.76 kg // 56.675 troy oz