Posted 7 years ago
BelleEpoque
(98 items)
These two pendants were designed by Koloman Moser and produced by the Wiener Werkstatte around 1905. The mouse is made in silver coloured metal and black enamel, and is one of a series of animal medallions that were sold as pendants and brooches for kids and adults. The other is a circle formed y 4 birds, made of brass and enamel. They have different versions of the WW logo on the back, meaning they come from different makers or were made at different times. The designs are well documented and can be found in books about Moser and the WW. I wear them often and usually get a remark once people make out the animals.
These animal pendants are so unusual, recognized the mouse right away but thanx for explaining the four intertwined birds - very nice!
OMG - MEGA WOW !!!
Hi Belle, I briefly saw you've posted a tray of jewels, can't wait to have a sticky beak.
Just as a word of warning, there have been a recent spate of fakes of these. Signs to look out for are WW stamps that are too big (you probably know better than I do because you have the lovely leaf piece, so you know what they look like first hand) and very slight differences to the bales and designs from the originals.
I watched someone sell at least 30 of these medallions in differing designs, with different WW marks on German, Italian & UK eBay around Christmas time last year. I've now seen one pop up being resold on UK eBay.
They appeared to be coming out of Italy. I know this because I have one in my drawer. I did get my money back, but it was a seriously unpleasant experience.
It's all a learning experience, I'll have to wait until I find the right mouse.
thansk for your loves! @Jewels, I know which seller you mean. I did get another piece from them. I also had my reservations but got in touch and after a few emails I became convinced those were not fakes but old stock found in the clearance of an old WW member (the seller was able to provide documentation). These medallions continued to be produced up until the 2nd war, and several versions in different materials were made long after Moser had died. It sort of made sense to me, in my experience copiers normally do not make different versions and do not offer everything at once but sell steadily over long periods.
Mmm, interesting. I got a different story from the seller. They told me she had inherited a collection from an uncle. They didn't offer to provide me any documentation. I asked very specifically. I'm interested in the history though - do you have any pointers where I can find some info? I was under the impression that these were made in very limited numbers and from a single manufacturer.
Lovely and fun! Thanks for posting this.