19th Century Hanau Halberdier In Solid Silver And Precious Stones

Solid silver and gemstone halberd, Hanau, 19th century. A very fine piece in solid silver. This exceptional work showcases the craftsmanship of the city of Hanau, which until the 20th century was a major center for highly ornate silverware. Hallmarked on the halberd's blade. Exquisite craftsmanship and setting. "With the production of antique silverware, Hanau found a market niche that brought its manufacturers enormous prosperity and worldwide renown. The father of this craft was August Schleissner, son of an old family of silversmiths. He apprenticed with his father and then worked as a journeyman for Antoine Vechte in Paris, where he perfected his chasing technique. (...) He immediately introduced a line of antique reproduction silverware in Gothic, Renaissance, and Mannerist styles. Due to his superb craftsmanship, he soon received royal commissions, including those from Baron Karl von Rothschild."-Dorothe Burtsyn, member of the Silver Society of Canada. Free and insured shipping within metropolitan France.