Antique Silver Knights on Horse Back, London 1861

Object Description

A fantastic pair of antique German silver table ornaments in the form of large model knights in armour, each astride a galloping horse. Gilded silver (slightly worn) with jewelled beads. The knights have carved bakalite faces and helmets with hinged visors which can be opened and closed; in the right hand they each hold a jousting pole, or lance, and in the left they clasp the horse’s reins. The models are very intricate with many separate pieces assembled together. The bases have a naturalist finish. Although similar in size and stance, these models have slight differences. One horse carries a plume on the crest of its head whereas the other sports a bird figure on the head.

Weight 1405 and 1411 grams, total weight 2816 grams, 90.5 troy ounces.
Height 25 and 25.5cm. Spread 20cm excluding the lance. Base 16 x 8cm.
Maker Johann S Kurz.
Hanau, Germany.
Circa 1880.

‘Registered as exempt under the Ivory Act 2028’. Defra registration 47DJSW7U.

Marks. Marked on top of the base with German silver marks crown, moon, silver purity mark “800” (800/1000) and makers mark “JK” with a swan for Johann S Kurz (1818 – 1888) .

Object Literature

The antique silver industry of Hanau specialised in excellent copies of old master silversmiths’ work, particularly Nuremberg pieces, double lady cups, old goblets, snuff boxes and so on. These copies were marked with fantasy marks, somewhat resembling old marks, which also harmonized with the style of the piece. For example, French rococo style reproductions are marked with French looking marks, German seventeenth century-inspired pieces got German-looking marks, and so on. These marks were usually in a style reminiscent of seventeenth and eighteenth century maker’s marks.

Heraldry emerged at a time during the mid-12 century when fighting men became unrecognisable inside their suits of armour to both friend and foe alike. It soon emerged that by decorating the armour, particularly the shield, with a design that was unique to that particular person it could also be seen from a distance. Heraldry began to grow into a science of heraldry with its own unique language and system of laws to regulate and record it accurately.

Object Condition

These fine antique silver horse and rider models are in very good condition. Very large and impressive with good gauge silver and weight. 1 gem stone missing.

Object Details