SY & WAGNER (active 1859-1933), Patera with personifications of Industry, Agriculture and Commerce

sterling silver, stamped 812 (SY & WAGNER / BERLIN 812); height 71 cm, width 55 cm, depth 42 cm; weight 9.993 g.
Berlin, late 19th century.

Supported on three volute legs placed on multi-leafed plinths, on which sit, leaning with their backs against the legs, bearded gnomes wearing caps decorated with mining emblems - two crossed tools - a pickaxe and a hammer; one of them holds a lump of coal in his hands; exalted foot decorated with fleshy acanthus volutes, above in three reserves engraved views of the city and factory buildings; the shaft composed of three full-figured female figures in antique costumes, with wreaths on their heads, with attributes referring to the three branches of the economy: industry - a cogwheel, a quaver, a spinning wheel, a rolled sheet of metal and a rope anchor; agriculture - ears of rye and a sheep; and commerce - a caduceus. The bowl of the platter is circular, puckered and ribbed, narrowed in the middle with a rolled top edge, irregular, edged with rocaille, decorated with a cartouche of arms, in a rocaille reserve flanked by two full-figured putti; on the sides, volute handles topped with figures of putti; on the belly a plaque with dedication Elis Elisson / 1890 27/10 1950/ Bruno och Hans. In 1859, renowned Berlin silversmith Johann George Hossauer turned over the workshop to his apprentice Emil August Wagner and Francois Louis Jeremy Sy, who registered the company as Sy & Wagner, which operated until 1933. The company enjoyed a well-deserved reputation; its products were characterized by a high level of artistry and quality workmanship. It was awarded the title of supplier to the Prussian court, and also fulfilled numerous orders from representatives of the Prussian landed gentry and aristocracy, and was a major manufacturer of state and military decorations.