Author Description

This catalog provides a complete inventory of the collections of Lamprecht (Leipzig) and Garbáty (Berlin-Pankow) which consist mainly of objects from the Royal Prussian Foundries (Königlich Preussische Eisengiessereien Gleiwitz (Gliwice], Berlin, Sayn) and private Berlin foundries (Seebass, Geiss or Devaranne) dating from the first half of the 19th century. As a result of their quality and desirability, such objects became internationally known as "Berliner Eisen", "Fer de Berlin" or "Berlin Iron". Cast iron objects from other foundries in Germany as well as from Austria and Russia are also to be found in these collections. An overview of the history of iron casting from the 18th century on as well as of that of the two collections is followed by the catalog itself with 994 listed objects and a critical description of the individual entries including 508 medallions, medals, plaques and gems and 486 sculptures, jewelry and utilitarian objects such as candelabra, watch holders, sewing utensils, vases, bowls and paperweights.