This magnificent pair of antique German silver partially gilt table ornaments has been realistically modelled in the form of knights on horseback.
The fully armoured knight mounted to one horse ornament features a flag in his dexter hand whilst grasping a shield with the other.
The flag is embellished with an impressive chased decorated cross design with a central emanating sunburst design and the shield bears a helm with an impressive scrolling mantling.
The other knight bears a sword in his dexter hand and the other hand is grasping a shield with alternative heraldic bears - with lion regardant supporters holding an escutcheon displaying a heron with a fish in its beak.
The cuirass of each knight is partially gilt and the flag bearing figure is further ornamented with a fur shoulder throw and cape.
The helmet worn by each knight features a functional hinged grille which allows access to view the impressive facial details and distinct feature moustaches.
Each helmet is surmounted with three large feathers; the flag wielding knight wears his feathers splayed.
The horses each feature embroidered decorative reigns and one is draped with chain mail armour.
Each horse is ornamented a gilded mane and headpiece reflecting characteristics of the rider; one has three feathers and the other a cross.
These silver knights are embellished with fine and impressive chased decoration and gilding reproducing the details of the armour, fabric and naturalistic features of the horses.
The plateaued surface of each silver plinth is embellished with a terrain texture accented with floral designs at the horses’ feet.
Each plinth is ornamented with impressive chased decorated jousting and tournament attire with emanating scrolling leaf designs and lion dormant motifs.
The swept lower rim of each plinth is encompassed with a chased decorated leaf decorated border below a band of bead motif ornamentation.
The hallmarked figures, horses and plinths are all each detachable and secured together with screw fitments.
* Hanau pseudo-marks were not registered with an administrative office and no records exist to check them against; the identification of some pseudo-marks are attributed to comparison and probability.
The partial gilding has natural wear in areas, in keeping with age.
The German hallmarks struck to the surface of the base, sword sheath and cape are all very clear.
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of these examples of antique German silver knights.
Height to top of flag pole 42cm/16.5"
Height to top of feathers 40cm/15.7"