Pair of Large German Silver Mounted Knights, Hanau, circa 1900

This exquisite pair of antique table decorations, made around 1900, are an outstanding example of German silversmithing of the early 20th century. Each figure depicts a knight in armour sitting astride a battle horse clad in armour, symbolising two important historical figures: the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I and the King of Aragon Ferdinand II. The compositions draw inspiration from the events of the Second Battle of Ginnegat (1513), known as the “Day of the Spurs”, giving these pieces a special historical value. The knights’ figures are strikingly detailed: the movable visors of their helmets open to reveal faces made of ivory, adding to the refinement and realism of the pieces. Each knight is armed with a lance and sword, emphasising their readiness for battle. The horses are dressed in protective armor, decorated with coats of arms of ancient royal families, symbolizing the riders` connection to royal origin. The table decorations are fixed on massive rectangular pedestals, also decorated with coats of arms, which gives the whole composition a monumental look.The knights` faces, made of ivory, deserve special attention. This gives the images exceptional realism and sophistication. The smallest details - from stirrups and reins to weapons and horse harness - are executed with amazing precision, demonstrating the highest level of skill of the silversmith.

Hallmarks: German silver (standard 925), importer`s mark Berthold Muller and manufacturer`s mark Neresheimer, Hanau, circa 1910. Despite the absence of a maker`s mark, figures of similar quality were repeatedly repeated in the workshop of the jeweler Johann Kurz, who worked in Hanau, which suggests that the master was involved in the production of the figures.

Total weight: 2650 g Height: 29 cm Width: 25 cm. Certificate for the use of ivory: VLDPW8MN

Historical information: The company Berthold Muller & Son was founded in 1893 as an import firm in London, at 165 Wardour Street. It initially operated as an agency distributing silver produced in Hanau from the workshop of Ludwig Neresheimer and Co. The company`s activities spanned the period from the late 19th century to the early 20th century and involved three generations of the Müller family, who were master sheet metal and silversmiths. In 1915, Bertha Müller anglicized his name to Miller and the firm was renamed B. Miller & Son. From that time on, the company continued to operate as wholesale silversmiths and jewelers, specializing in the creation of replicas of antique silverware, as well as ivory, miniatures and enamels.

Founded in 1890 by August and Ludwig Neresheimer, Neresheimer quickly established itself as a leading manufacturer of high-quality replicas of antique items, competing with Schleissner. Silversmiths from Hanau were renowned for their skillful copies, often accompanied by pseudo-marks that were stylised as the marks of 17th-18th century masters, reflecting the rich traditions of the German silver industry.