GERMANY. Rostock. Silver Hand Engraved Tray Inlaid with European Talers and Crowns, ND (ca. 1890-1903). VERY FINE.
Diameter: 11.75 in., Weight: 32 oz., Makersmark: Paul Kerfack, Rostock 800, Hallmark: moon and crown. This magnificent silver plate is made from a combination of authentic coinage and skilled silversmithing and incorporates 22 coins, 19 are from Germany with one each from Austria, Great Britain and Italy. The coin dates span the period of 1823 to 1890. All the coins are raised above the surface of the plate. The outer ring contains 15 German Talers, each highlighted with an outline around them. The convex center of the plate is entwined with oak leaves and scrolling around 7 coins. In the very center of the plates is a commemorative German Taler surrounded by three German 5 Mark coins, an Austrian 2 Florins, a British Crown and an Italian 5 Lire. The ruler on these coins represent the majority of German rulers of the 19th century. The plate was produced circa 1890 to 1903. Kerfack, a Master Goldsmith, was know for quality and made precious gold and silver items. This piece was made with the highest artistry and skilled workmanship. Each of the coins contained in this piece are securely held in place appearing to be braised in several areas. Like many vintage silver artifacts that were manufactured for use and display, the surfaces do show evidence of being cleaned numerous times over the decades with rich slate patina in the protected areas and crevasses. While each of the coins offers rich mottled patina with some displaying iridescent hues. Paul Kerfack (1832-1903) became an apprentice goldsmith under his father, Friedrich Heinrich Kerfack (1795-1867) of Rostock, Germany. Paul completed his apprenticeship on 1 April 1851. For 7 years he traveled as a journeyman through Germany, Switzerland and Northern Italy (Piedmont ) and France. In his father's workshop, he completed his master work and achieved his Master level on 17 May 1858 at age 27. Paul purchased a work studio where he constructed two separate areas: a work area and a sale room. There were now two Kerfacks working together as goldsmiths for 10 years. Their work was now recognized as quality and serious workmanship. He installed a shopping window to entice more customers. He decided to make only genuine and precious gold items. One could not purchase cheap articles nor copies in his store. Paul died in 1903 and the business was taken over by his wife. She died in 1917. Their son Otto Kerfack (1875-1937) took over the business. The business declined due to inflation and WWI. In 1930 he declared bankruptcy. After three generations, the line of Kerfack goldsmiths came to an end. Two of Ott's employees purchased the business. On 15 July 1930 they opened the studio under name of Paul Kerfack, owners Hermann Peters and Alfred Sinner, Jewelry, Gold and Silverware. The Kerfack business survived WWII without destruction and plundering by the Russian Army. Sinner's Son, Gerhard, became a partner. In 1958 Peters retired from the firm. Sinner retired in 1965 and died in 1967. Gerhard Sinner took over the business by himself. In 1973 he changed the name to Kerfack/Sinner. The East German government only allowed him to make repairs. In 1979 Gerhard Sinner was imprisoned for not paying taxes and producing Jewelry without the State's approval. He was accused of espionage and enemy of the State. He received 5-1/2 years imprisonment and could no longer work as an independent goldsmith. The entire family estate was confiscated with a value of well over one million East German Marks. On 30 June 1979, after 121 years the firm of Paul Kerfack was dissolved. Center: 1) Germany. Prussia. Taler, 1861. KM-488. Around Center: 2) Germany. Prussia. 5 Mark, 1888-A. KM-513. 3) Italy. 5 Lire, 1870-M. KM-8.3. 4) Germany. Prussia. 5 Mark, 1876-A. KM-503. 5) Austria. 2 Florins, 1859-B. KM-2230. 6) Germany. Prussia. 5 Mark, 1888-A. KM-512. 7) Great Britain. Crown, 1890. KM-765. Edge: 8) Germany. Mecklenburg-Strelitz. Taler, 1870-A. KM-100. 9) Germany. Oldenburg. Taler, 1866-B. KM-196. 10) Germany. Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel. Taler, 1866-B. KM-1152. 11) Germany. Sax-Coburg-Gotha. Taler, 1864-B. KM-130. 12) Germany. Frankfurt. Taler, 1864. KM-370. 13) Germany. Prussia. Taler, 1823-A. KM-413. 14) Germany. Prussia. Taler, 1845-A. KM-446. 15) Germany. Prussia. Taler, 1871-A. KM-494. 16) Germany. Prussia. Taler, 1861. KM-488. 17) Germany. Hanover. Taler, 1848-B. KM-208. 18) Germany. Saxony. Taler, 1855-F. KM-1187. 19) Germany. Bavaria. Taler, 1867. KM-886.1. 20) Germany. Wurttemberg. Taler, 1860. KM-601. 21) Germany. Hesse-Darmstadt. Taler, 1863. KM-338. 22) Germany. Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Taler, 1864-A. KM-A310.

Estimate: $1000.00- $1500.00