800 silver, gold-plated
Austria, early 20th century
Silverware factory Alexander Sturm, founded in 1883
Each hallmarked with Diana’s head mark and maker’s mark
36-piece cutlery set comprising 12 forks, 12 spoons and 12 knifes
Model ‘Hofburg’ of multiply curved shape
Verso crowned coat of arms
Enclosed within cutlery box
Provenance: private property Vienna
Fork: 18 cm
Spoon: 18 cm
Knife: 20 cm
Dimensions of cutlery box: 5.7 x 36.5 x 28.5 cm
Total weight (incl. knives): c. 1800 g
Very good condition

The model ‘Hofburg’, which is based on cutlery forms from the 18th century, was already part of the inventory of the residence of Emperor Frederick in Prague in the mid-19th century. The household of the young heirs to the throne Crown Prince Rudolf and Princess Stephanie of Belgium was equipped with a ‘Hofburg’ set of cutlery in 1881. Stephanie in turn eventually commissioned Alexander Sturm to produce another set for the wedding of her daughter, Archduchess Elisabeth, in 1902. Since 1918 ‘Hofburg’ is the official state cutlery of the Czech Republic and is part of the inventory of many Austrian embassies around the world.

Condition:
The cutlery set is in very good condition with barely any signs of age and wear. The cutlery box is stained on the inside, the outside with usual signs of tear and wear. The lengths of forks and spons are 18 cm, the knives have a length of 20 cm. The size of the cutlery box measures 5.7 x 36.5 x 28.5 cm and the total weight is c. 1800 kg. (nlu)

Silverware factory Alexander Sturm
Alexander Storm was born 1851 in Vienna and received the business license as silverware producer in 1882. One year later he opened his own shop. After initial difficulties he finally succeeded to sell his products with the help of the so called nouveau riche Vienna society. In particular the families of the new bourgeoisie (Manner, Seligmann, Wittgenstein etc.) were customers of Alexander Sturm. From 1926 also artist of the Wiener Werkstätte work for the company Storm, which had its own design studio, where the artist create their designs for the silver manufacture. After the war Adalbert Sturm revive the plant. Already from 1947 design drawings by Otto Prutscher and Josef Hoffmann were present. Because of Christa Berghaus Fölster the 123 old family business could be saved and continued. She bought all the machines, tools and blankings as well as the comprehensive company archive, to preserve and revive the old Viennese silversmith tradition.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.