19th-century Austrian Hermann Ratzersdorfer Vienna silver enamel box

Hermann Ratzersdorfer (Austrian 1843-1894) a fine late 19th century Viennese silver and enamel lobed cushion form box. “HR” mark and “A” for Vienna. Decorated on all sides, lid, and base with enamel panels, and a squigglework interior.

Diameter: 3.4in (8.5cm)
Height: 1.4in (3.5cm)

Condition: In very good condition with minor wear commensurate with age. The base has a small central worn area (see images) and there are some minor surface scratches to the interior.

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Biography: Hermann Ratzersdorfer was born in 1819 in Bratislava in 1819, moving to Vienna in the early 1840s. Taking up a career as a silversmith, he became renowned for objects of virtue in silver and gold objects of vertu, usually decorated in enamels in the Historicism style. He exhibited at the Viennese Trade exhibition and was a medal winner at the London Exhibition in 1851. In 1855 he gained second prize at the Paris Exhibition. In 1871, at the London Exhibition, he was awarded a diploma of honor. Hi retired in 1881, when his son Julius took over the business.