RICHARD SILVERER 1915 Austria Architectural Miniature Desk-Clock In Enameled Silver
An Edwardian miniature boudoir desk clock, designed by Richard Silverer.
This is an exceptional antique boudoir desk clock, masterfully made in Vienna, Austria, during the late Edwardian period, circa 1915. The clock displays the remarkable craftsmanship of the renowned Viennese silversmith Richard Silverer and is distinguished by an elegant Neoclassical architectural design. The case has been finely crafted in solid silver of .950/.999 fineness and is constructed upon a rectangular architectural base supported by four cylindrical sabots. The highly structured Neoclassical composition is centered by a round clock dial, framed by six slender architectural columns and surmounted by an elegant curved French-style roof pediment.
The entire silver case is exceptionally decorated with a finely executed engine-turned guilloché pattern, providing a sophisticated geometric texture to the surface. This intricate decoration is further enhanced by vivid blue enamel applications and delicate linear borders of contrasting white enamel, creating a striking combination of silver, blue, and white. A superb example of Viennese decorative arts from the early 20th century, this remarkable desk clock combines fine silversmithing, architectural Neoclassicism, and luxurious enamel decoration. Its refined proportions and highly decorative surface make it an outstanding collector's piece and an elegant conversation object for the desk, library, or boudoir.
Country: Vienna, Austria.
Period: Edwardian-Deco, 1915.
Materials: Silver .950, white ceramic, gilt blue glass enamel and white enamel.
Dial: The dial is round, made in white enamel with gilded dots and Roman numbers. Blued steel hands.
Movement: Swiss, Mechanical 8 days, manual winding
Weight: 405.70 Grams, (260.10 Dwt).
Measurements: H. 77.5 mm by W. 93.5 mm by D. 32 mm, (3.05 x 3.68 x 1.26 Inches).
Hallmarks: The case is stamped with multiple pre-1922 Austrian marks; three times with the maker's mark RS inside a V clipped cartouche, which is associated to Richard Silverer, the letter mark A for Vienna with the number 1 for the assay of the .950/.999 silver.
Austrian Hungarian Empire Silver Hallmarks 1872-1922
In 1872 the alphanumeric code identifying the town control office was reinstated inside the "Diana" or "small piece" hallmarks. Between 1872-1922 the code was also added inside the "Diana head" or "small pieces". The letter for the town or city was added to the mark. in this case A for the city of Vienna, used between 1867 and the 1922, when the Austro-Hungarian empire was dissolved.
Like the Georgian and Victorian eras before it, derives its name from the reign of the English King, Edward VII (1901-1910). Edwardian jewelry is known for representing femininity while incorporating a lot of the color white. Think diamonds, pearls and white metals like platinum and white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They tended to be made from platinum and diamonds – the more, the merrier – and used fashionable, intricate techniques such as filigree and millegrain. Edwardian rings are works of art and best worn alone or alongside a simple wedding band. Mille graining, a new decorative technique made possible by the use of platinum, is featured often on Edwardian jewelry. Its border of delicate balls and ridges surrounding a gemstone or on the knife sharp edges of a design served to give jewelry a softer, lighter look.
Guilloché
This technique is used in fine jewelry to enhance the appearance of brooches, rings and pendants. Guilloché enamel refers to metal pieces that have been given the Guilloché treatment and then covered with a translucent layer of enamel, giving the geometric patterns underneath the enamel a colorful hue.
Note: The framed-case have been professionally cleaned. Clock movement is in working condition but will need some service for timing accuracy. The silver has not been polished to preserve the patina, in original excellent antique condition and ready to display
Condition: The overall condition of this clock is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. The enamel is in great condition. This clock was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D091226MAEN/11.70
