Bidspirit auction | 19TH C CONTINENTAL HISTORISMUS SILVER

19TH C CONTINENTAL HISTORISMUS SILVER AGATE FIGURE - A late 19th-century Continental Historismus silver and agate figural candlestick or desk ornament, circa 1880–1900. The multi-part assembly features a central stem cast and chased as a mythological siren or twin-tailed nereid holding foliage, flanked by two blooming lily blossoms. Above the figure rests an open petal-form calyx surmounted by a domed bud finial, while the figure is seated upon a carved and polished banded agate pedestal exhibiting concentric brown, white, and amber striations. The agate block is embellished with applied metal mounts consisting of floral garlands and ribbon-suspended musical trophies depicting a violin and horn. The structure terminates in a domed circular foot chased in repoussé with scrolling acanthus leafwork, secured beneath by an internal threaded rod with a square nut and washer. The lower outer rim of the stepped circular foot bears a stamped punch mark containing a profile bust and character symbols. Dimensions unrecorded. mermaid, taperstick, Austro-Hungarian, cabinet piece, Kunstkammer, chalcedony, sardonyx, bobeche, centerpiece, sculpture. Dimensions H: 8 in. Total weight: 715 g. Condition The piece exhibits surface tarnish, fine scratches, and rubbing to the silver finish on high-relief points, exposing warmer undertones. Green verdigris and oxidation are visible within the stamped mark and foliate recesses. The carved banded agate pedestal appears intact with no visible structural cracks. Condition appears consistent with age.