Orivit, WMF / Geislingen - Centrepiece (2) - Identical crystal bowls on tin feet. - Tin, Crystal - Unique Art Nouveau

A unique pair (2) of antique Art Nouveau fruit bowls / tazzas – WMF & Orivit (circa 1900-1905)

These identical bowls showcase a fascinating slice of industrial history from the heyday of German decorative tinware around 1900. This set is special because it is a so-called 'transitional pair' from the period when the famous WMF factory took over its competitor Orivit (1905).

The bowls are visually identical: an elegant metal foot with 4 legs decorated with detailed cherubs (putti/cupids) and Clock Flowers (the typical Flora motif that designers at Orivit, such as Hermann Gradl or Carl Sigmund Luber, used), on which a beautiful heavily cut crystal bowl is mounted by a central screw connection.

Bowl 1 (Orivit): Stamped with the early Orivit/Orion mark (three-triangle clover) and casting numbers 1 and Ɛ. This is the early, original production from the Cologne foundry. The details in the faces of the cherubs are therefore very sharp. The crystal top piece is free of chips.
Bowl 2 (WMF): Marked only with the model number 39 and a very faint 4. This piece was probably poured by WMF shortly after 1905 using the original Orivit mold that was taken over.
The crystal top piece of this example has minuscule chips. I have attempted to capture this in the photos.

Condition: Both bowls are in very good antique condition. The original screw fittings are present and functioning well.

The crystal bowl has a diameter of 18.5 cm
Overall height: 20 cm
From foot 1 to 3: 13 cm
Bowl depth: approximately 4 cm
For details see the photos.