AMD - Adam Manns Dörnigheim - Basket - .800 silver

Description:

This intricately pierced silver basket features an oval, outward-expanding form, with a delicate handle at the top rim that completes the detailed workmanship.

The handle, spanning the basket with its curved shape, is centrally adorned with a cartouche, which on both sides is elegantly highlighted by scrolls and garlands, finely worked blossoms and rose motifs.

The multitude of ornaments and floral motifs give this object a fascinating vitality. Variations begin with the edge crowned by scrolls, which is connected by a surrounding band of flower and rose arrangements, forming a weave of sinuous leaf motifs, rocaille, and two parallel cartouches.

This splendor rests on a flat base, whose simplicity underlines the fine craftsmanship and follows the basket’s form.

Expertise:

The present piece is a finely worked oval silver basket with a movable handle, made of 800 silver. The basket features an elaborate, fully pierced wall with rich Rococo and Neo-Rococo decoration. Characteristic features are:

- floral tendrils and rose motifs
- C- and S-curves (rocaille)
- open cutwork
- ornamentally designed cartouches
- highly polished mirror-like bottom
- movable carrying handle with decorative ornaments

The execution corresponds to the high-quality table centers and baskets for which the silversmith Adam Manns & Sohn was known. The company produced predominantly handcrafted silverware in Dörnigheim near Hanau between 1922 and 1988. The maker’s mark “AMD” stands for “Adam Manns Dörnigheim” and was used from 1938 onward.

Art-historical classification:
The basket belongs to the categories of
- Bonbon baskets
- Pastry baskets
- Confectionary bowls
- Fruit and serving baskets
of this kind were used on representative courses for pralines, pastries, or small fruits. The decorative design follows French 18th-century models. According to company tradition, Adam Manns is said to have brought numerous inspirations from Paris, which explains the strong French stylistic influence in many models.

Worth knowing:
Adam Manns laid the foundation for his later company in 1874 by training as a silversmith at the Zeichenakademie in Hanau.
Inspired by his travels to France, he soon produced his own casting molds and in 1922 founded his own silversmith workshop in the backyard of his house.
In 1938, the silversmith was taken over by his son Wilhelm Manns, who also introduced the official company mark “Adam Manns Dörnigheim,” short “AMD.”

Among the absolute special features of the AMD silversmiths were silver Bembel (water jugs), which were eagerly purchased by wineries for substantial sums.

Dimensions/Weight:
• L/W/H – approx. 24 cm x 19 cm x 17.7 cm including handle
• approx. 300 g

Condition:
see photos:
very good to excellent
Verifiable are only:
- usual fine surface scratches
- light signs of use on the mirror bottom
- no visible deformations
- no detectable repairs
- no flaws in the piercing work
The basket appears complete and original.

Shipping:
Well wrapped via DHL