An engraved rock crystal hunting horn with jewelled and enamelled silver-gilt mounts, Vienna, late 19th century

the crystal sections finely engraved with trumpet-blowing nymphs inhabiting plumy scrolls, the wide silver mounts and fluted mouthpiece scrolled in multi-coloured champlevé enamels and applied with square-cut emeralds terminating in the cast equestrian figure of St George, on original velvet-covered stand, with original leather case

some minor losses to enamel overall, the top mount has been detached and re-glued with visible glue mounts. The bottom section of crystal has been broken and well repaired but leaving several open places and milky traces of filler near joint with silver terminal. The knight with incomplete sword. would benefit from professional cleaning. a very fragile but beautiful object.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The following group of 19th century Viennese objects for display comprises a family collection of rock crystal and hardstones and a magnificent nef in painted enamels. The group perfectly illustrates the fashion for acquiring objects in Renaissance taste for contemporary Kunstkammern in the late 19th century. A number of Viennese goldsmiths specialised in recreating and reinventing earlier treasures, and among them, Herman Ratzersdorfer and Hermann Böhm, maker of the majority of the following lots. Böhm moved from Hungary and went into business with his father-in-law Leopold Pollitzer in Vienna in 1866 becoming, by the time of the Vienna International Exhibition of 1873, one of the most prominent and prolific producers of Historismus pieces in Vienna. During the 1889 Paris International exhibition, his firm received widespread acclaim, and as a correspondent for the London trade journal, the Jeweller & Metal Worker, observed: ‘Böhm ... indeed counts its chief glory to give perfect reproductions of grand medieval pieces, rich of gems and enamel of many colours, while even his modern specimens of the goldsmith’s and jewellers’ art are so quaint and old-world in time and feeling that they have the charm of heirlooms … the effect is gorgeous without being barbaric ...’

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For a similar horn but supported by a triton, unmarked, see Sotheby’s London, 6 November 1997, lot 370.