A splendid pair of 'Historismus' lapis lazuli towers with enamelled silver-gilt mounts, Hermann Böhm, Vienna, circa 1880

each of tiered hexagonal form, surmounted by a flower-decorated urn with caryatid and hippocamp handles, the upper section set with military figures in arched niches above further lapis lazuli-veneered tiers, one applied with crystal-covered biblical subjects such as the Flight to Egypt and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, enamelled in the round, another with oval openwork enamelled marine subjects, barleysugar columns supporting figures of the Virtues, all within elaborate mask and scroll borders, on mask and paw supports, maker's mark and Vienna post-1872 town marks

Hallmarked throughout, some enamel losses overall. pink enamel columns with firing faults, joins, cracks and small portions of lapis lacking. One, inscribed 'Weishett', with tiny hole and enamel losses to corner of base of vase, another tiny hole to another corner. Impressive pieces.
"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."

Herman(n), son of Emanuel and Josefina Böhm was born in Bukesbon, Hungary in 1842/3. On 22 August 1865, in Pucho, Hungary, he married Therese (“Rosi”) Politzer, daughter of the goldsmith J. Leopold Politzer and his wife Grendel. Shortly after the marriage, the families moved to Vienna and went into business first as Politzer & Böhm, later as Hermann Böhm. Both Therese, their son Max and Therese’s brother Joseph Politzer worked at various dates with the firm which appears to have remained in existence until at least 1922. Hermann died in Vienna in 1928 and Max the following year. The firm is recorded as employing between 10 and 12 workmen and specialised in creating magnificent enamel and hardstone works of art, 'perfect reproductions of grand medieval pieces, rich of gems and enamel of many colours',  for export. Böhm's large works in lapis lazuli are less common: a similar group of three towers was recorded at Christie's sale, The19th Century Interior, 22 March 2001, lots 44/5 and a garniture combining a clock pavilion with two 5-light candelabra, said to have been a gift from Emperor Franz Josef to Tsar Alexander II of Russia (Meister Collection, Parke Bernet, New York,  31 March 1966, lot 24).