Description

Title:
Rare 4-Piece Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) Desk Set by Erhard & Söhne - Patinated Brass - Germany, c. 1900-1915

Description:
An exceptional and highly collectible 4-piece desk stationery set manufactured by the prestigious German artistic foundry Erhard & Söhne (Schwäbisch Gmünd), dating back to the peak of the Jugendstil / Art Nouveau period (circa 1900-1915).

The set is fully matching and features an elegant organic design combining stylized thistle motifs, budding leaves, and flowing geometric borders typical of the German and Austrian Secession movements.

Craftsmanship & Manufacturer:
Each piece is masterfully crafted from heavy cast brass with its original factory-applied dark brown patinated/oxidized finish. The raised reliefs feature a beautiful "antique rub" polish on the edges, which creates an impressive depth and highlights the intricate craftsmanship. The background shows fine stippling work. The stamp box bears the authentic interlocking "EKO" maker's mark (Erhard, Ernst & Söhne) stamped on a beautifully textured floral ground.

The set consists of 4 matching items:

Gabinet Inkwell (Kałamarz): Featuring a wide, ornate four-footed base and a hinged, decorated dome lid. Note: The small inner glass/ceramic ink liner is missing.

Letter Rack / Mail Sorter (Listownik): A beautiful double-slotted upright holder with intricate openwork (pierced) floral details.

Rocker Ink Blotter (Bibularz kołyskowy): Equipped with an ergonomic curved solid handle and its original metal retention arc. Ready for blotting paper.

Stamp / Trinket Box (Puzderko): A rectangular, four-footed lidded box with a clean interior, perfect for stamps, nibs, or small desk accessories.

Dimensions (Height x Width x Depth):

Inkwell: ca. [12 cm] x [10 cm] x [10 cm]

Letter Rack: ca. [12 cm] x [5 cm] x [10 cm]

Rocker Blotter: ca. [11 cm] x [6 cm ] x [6.5 cm]

Stamp Box: ca. [8.5 cm] x [6 cm] x [5 cm]

Condition:
Excellent antique condition, especially considering its age of over 110 years. Beautiful, untouched original patina with minor, authentic signs of age and handling that add character. No cracks, deep scratches, or structural damage. The hinges on the box and inkwell work smoothly. The inner glass liner for the inkwell is missing.