Bidspirit auction | AUSTRIAN ARGENTOR SILVER-PLATED ART NOUVEAU

AUSTRIAN ARGENTOR SILVER-PLATED ART NOUVEAU DOUBLE DISH - An Austrian Art Nouveau silver-plated double sweetmeat dish by Argentor-Werke Rust & Hetzel (Vienna, established 1902), circa 1905, crafted in cast and stamped white metal with a silver-plated finish. Composed of two symmetrical, opposed leaf-form bowls with curled split-tip ends, each dish is supported by three small integral ball feet and modeled in high relief with a reclining semi-nude maiden resting amidst striated foliage with flowing hair and diaphanous drapery. Rising from the central junction is a sculpted floral stem with open blossoms and leaves surmounted by an asymmetrical whiplash-scroll loop carrying handle. The underside rim is impressed with the factory marks '251', 'ARGENTOR WIEN', and 'R'. jugendstil, secessionist, nymphs, bonbonniere, centerpiece, antique, tableware, hollowware, server, collectible. Dimensions L: 14 in. All measurements are approximate. Condition Condition shows notable age and handling wear. Extensive silver-plating loss appears on high-relief areas, especially the figures and handle, exposing the coppery base metal beneath. Dark tarnish fills the recesses, and the underside exhibits surface scratches, minor ripples, and oxidation around the central joinery.