HERMANN SÜDFELD 1900 Viennese Enameled Sterling Desk-Clock With Elephant Motif
A dial rotary desk clock designed by Hermann Südfeld Co.
This is a magnificent antique enameled rotary desk box-clock created in Vienna Austria at the silversmith workshop of Hermann Südfeld Co., back in 1900. The rare rotary desk clock has been masterfully hand-crafted during the Edwardian period in solid .925/.999 sterling silver It is embellished with engine turned designs, which are topped with vivid navy-blue hard glass enamel. The desk clock is mounted on three round sabots and decorated on top with a standing elephant.
Hermann Südfeld
He was a prominent Viennese silversmith active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for high-quality Art Nouveau, Edwardian and Secessionist silver, often marked with "HS" and Austrian .800, .900 or .935 silver hallmarks. His firm, sometimes referenced as Hermann Südfeld & Söhne, produced items like serving platters, tea services, desk accessories and decorative objects.
Country: European, Vienna Austria.
Period: Edwardian, 1900.
Materials: Solid .935/.999 sterling silver, black lacquer and blue hard glass enamel.
Dial: Rotary, circular in silver with black lacquered Roman numbers.
Case: Solid .935/.999 sterling silver with engine turned, vivid navy-blue hard glass enamel.
Movement: Swiss, mystery rotary mechanical, hand-wingding.
Weight: 376.6 Grams, (241.5 Dwt).
Measurements: H. 72.4 mm by Diameter 99.6 mm, (2.85 x 3.92 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped with Austrian marks, twice with the mark for the city of Vienna, the maker's mark HS inside a cartouche associated to Hermann Südfeld Co. the mark for the assay and warranty of the .935/.999 sterling silver and signed in full as follows, "HS MADE IN AUSTRIA STERLING".
The Edwardian Period
This era 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. Mill 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.
Condition: The overall condition of this Hermann Südfeld Co. desk clock is impeccable. Beside the little normal wear there is no damage to the silver. The enameled parts are pristine and the settings are excellent. This box was carefully inspected to guarantee the condition & authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D040226CENM/11.16
