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Hi there,

I've tried to identify the origin of this item (candleholder, I believe), but I am a novice in the silver world and would appreciate insight from more versed collectors. The name "HERMANN" is present with a shield symbol I cannot make out, and then a lion rampant. Above this hallmark are the words "Wiener Colosseum" and a "C" over a "W" logo. In trying to investigate, I believe it was a theater in Vienna that opened in the late 1800's. My impression is the lion is representing the Glasgow town mark for sterling. The holder is quite heavy, (1 pound 7.4 ounces), and stands 5 3/4" in height. Thanks in advance for your help!

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/cherio60/hermann1lg.jpg

http://i675.photobucket.com/albums/vv117/cherio60/hermanlg2.jpg

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

Welcome to the forum.

I believe that's a silverplate mark used by J. L. Herrmann, Vienna, Austria.
Late 19th century to WWI.

Pat.

2209patrick wrote:Welcome to the forum.

I believe that's a silverplate mark used by J. L. Herrmann, Vienna, Austria.
Late 19th century to WWI.

Pat.

Thanks, Pat, for taking the time to share your thoughts. I did run across that firm and initially dismissed it, as my mark does not include the "J.L."...but I just Googled images, and lo and behold, I found a plain "Hermann", with the two shields like mine. Many thanks!

Here you go,







J. L. Herrmann, Vienna, Austria. Late 19th century to WWI.


Oel

oel wrote:Here you go,



J. L. Herrmann, Vienna, Austria. Late 19th century to WWI.


Oel

I appreciate your information, Oel...thanks a bunch! I'm assuming the piece I have is silverplate then? I guess the rampant lion confused me, as I thought that was a sterling mark.

Your welcome and yes we are looking at silverplate marks.

Oel

Hello All,

I received notice from Silverport and I believe it to be of great value, herewith the whole notice. Gratitude towards Silverport and I do hope he will return to the forum soon!




Notice to HERRMANN maker's marks:

J.L. Herrmann was granted the permission to produce metal wares of Packfong and China silver, and plated with silver or gold. They made also metal wares from precious metal alloys [but their maker's mark, in a rectangle, was then: J.L.H].

The shown marks are used on 'Plated' products; e.g. the triangle-mark 'ASI' signification is that the basic metal is Alpacca Silver Premium Alloy. 'Alpacca' was trade mark of 'Berndorfer' for metal alloy.

In this case of the candle-holder's isn't mentioned or shown an image with indication of being plated [e.g. gram].

That means that the candle-holders seem to be not plated; but made from Alpacca Silver Premium Alloy, polished only.

These candle-holders were made for the historical 'Wiener Colosseum' in the Nußdorferstraße 4-6 (see the monogram and its surrounding text). This historical 'Wiener Colosseum' was constructed in 1897 as an Entertainment area: Coffee, Restaurant, and Theatre ... First director was Carl Blasel. In 1925 the building was reconstructed as a Cinemas Centre. Since then few following enterprises exist there until today, e.g. 'Buffet Colosseum'. But the 'Wiener Colosseum XXI' is a modern one; and settled in another place of Vienna town too.

There are some historical images of the site of 'Wiener Colisseum':

Town district 'Alsergrund': http://www.bezirksmuseum.info/hist/hist/75.htm
Building 'Wiener Colloseum': http://www.bezirksmuseum.info/hist/hist/75/85.htm
Interior of 'Wiener Colloseum': http://www.bezirksmuseum.info/hist/hist/75/95.htm
Interior of 'Wiener Colloseum': http://www.bezirksmuseum.info/hist/hist/75/96.htm
Coffee of 'Wiener Colloseum': http://www.bezirksmuseum.info/hist/hist/75/111.htm

In 2002 Helga Gartner has published: Das Wiener Colosseum in der Nußdorferstraße 4-6. Eine Bestandsaufnahme der Spielstätte von der Zeit des Baues 1897 bis zur Umwandlung in ein Kinocenter 1925.
http://www.tuwien.ac.at/dle/koostelle/h ... a_gartner/

I have a spoon with L.HERRMANN an [13]-Lothmark.

Hi Theoderich,

Correct me if I am wrong but J.L Herrmann, Vienna Austria late 19th century to World War I. The Lothe was used in the Austrian Empire prior to 1867. The Austro-Hungarian Empire 1867-1922 had specific domestic silver standard/ hallmarks, could your L. Herrmann be another (German) and not J. L. Hermann from Vienna?


Best,

Oel.