AMD - Adam Manns Dörnigheim - Basket - .800 silver

Description:

This intricately perforated silver basket features an oval, outward-flaring form, with a delicate handle at the top edge that completes the detailed work.

The handle, spanning over the basket with its curved shape, is centrally adorned with a cartouche, which to either side is stylishly highlighted by volutes and garlands, finely worked out floral and rose decorations.

The multitude of ornaments and floral motifs give this object a fascinating liveliness. Variations begin with the border crowned by volutes, connected by a surrounding band of floral and rose arrangements, woven into a lattice of flowing leaf motifs, Rocaille, and two parallel cartouches.

This splendor is carried by a flat base, whose simplicity underlines the fine workmanship and follows the form of the basket’s design.

Expertise:

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

- floral tendrils and rose decor
- C- and S-curves (Rocaille)
- open perforation work
- ornately designed cartouches
- highly polished mirror bottom
- movable carrying handle with decorative elements

The execution corresponds to the high-quality table centers and silver 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 Meisterzeichen “AMD” stands for “Adam Manns Dörnigheim” and was used from 1938 onward.

Art-historical classification:

The basket belongs to the group of

- bonbon baskets
- pastry baskets
- confectionery bowls
- fruit and service baskets
of this kind were used on representative platters for pralines, pastries, or small fruits.
The decorative design is oriented toward French models of the 18th century. According to company records, Adam Manns is said to have brought numerous inspirations from Paris, which explains the strong French stylistic influence in many models.

Notable facts:

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 made his own casting molds and, in 1922, established his own silversmith workshop in the backyard of his house.

In 1938, the silversmithing shop was taken over by his son Wilhelm Manns, who also introduced the official company mark “Adam Manns Dörnigheim,” shortened to “AMD.”

Among the absolute curiosities of the AMD silversmiths were silver Bembels, which were eagerly purchased by breweries for substantial sums.

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

Condition:
see photos:
very good to excellent
The only verifiable points are:
- typical fine surface scratches
- slight signs of use on the mirror bottom
- no visible deformations
- no recognizable repairs
- no flaws in the perforation work
The basket appears complete and originally preserved.

Shipping:
Well packed via DHL