Offered here is a pair of antique Hanau German silver casters, measuring approximately 5 inches tall and weighing a combined 169 grams, just shy of 6 troy ounces. These pieces exemplify the refined eighteenth-century revival style produced in Hanau during the late nineteenth century.

The casters feature baluster bodies, shell-mounted hoof feet, and turned, pierced domed lids. These are all characteristic of high-quality Hanau workshop production. Each piece is engraved with a heraldic wolf’s-head crest, consistent with period taste for English-inspired ornament.

Both casters bear Hanau pseudo-hallmarks: a crowned animal head accompanied by Gothic letters. This style of mark corresponds closely to variants documented for Gebrüder Dingeldein, one of the principal Hanau silversmithing firms active circa 1880–1900. These pseudo-marks were intentionally designed to evoke the structure of English eighteenth-century hallmark groups and were widely used by Hanau makers during the historicist revival period. Comparative examples of Dingeldein’s pseudo-marks appear in Marc Rosenberg’s Der Goldschmiede Merkzeichen (3rd ed., vol. IV, Hanau section) and in modern Hanau mark surveys.

Details

• Maker (attributed): Gebrüder Dingeldein, Hanau, Germany

• Date: c. 1880–1910

• Material: Silver, typical Hanau standard (.700 to .800 fine)

• Height: Approximately 5 inches each

• Combined weight: 169 g / 5.99 troy ounces

• Decoration: Hand-engraved heraldic crest of lion’s head

• Feet: Three shell-mounted hoof feet

• Lids: Turned, pierced, domed lids with finials

• Marks: Crowned animal head + Gothic letters (pseudo-hallmarks)

Historical Note

The city of Hanau was a major center of decorative silver production in the late nineteenth century, producing sophisticated revival pieces modeled on early English, Dutch, and German prototypes. Gebrüder Dingeldein was one of the region’s most notable firms, known for its finely executed wares and distinctive pseudo-hallmark system. These marks were not official assay marks but workshop signatures designed to evoke antique hallmarked silver. As a result, Dingeldein pieces are highly collectible today for their craftsmanship, historical interest, and stylistic authenticity.

This pair of casters represents an excellent example of Hanau’s historicist silversmithing tradition and would make a refined addition to any collection of European silver or decorative arts.

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AC/DC