Jugendstil Inkwell Marked “Real Bronze”

This inkwell is a classic example of Austrian Jugendstil (the German/Austrian branch of Art Nouveau), dating from approximately 1890 to 1915.

The mark “Real Bronze” (sometimes seen as “Real Bronce”) was a designation used by Austrian and German foundries—most notably those in Vienna—to denote a high-quality cast copper-alloy. While it may appear to be brass due to its golden hue, these pieces were often made of a specific bronze alloy that was then polished or gilded. The numbers “47” and “51” are catalog or model numbers used by the foundry to identify the specific design and mold.

Description and Features

• Design Style: The piece features a characteristic Art Nouveau “whiplash” aesthetic, seen in the organic, flowing lines of the lid’s central ridge and the asymmetric placement of the flowers.
• Floral Relief: The impressed relief depicts a cluster of primroses or poppies against a heavily hammered (martelé) background. This textured finish was a hallmark of the Arts & Crafts and Jugendstil movements, intended to give the metal a hand-crafted, artisanal appearance.
• Construction: It consists of a weighted base with a central font housing a removable glass insert. The lid is attached with a sturdy three-part hinge.
• Material: Although marked “Real Bronze,” it is common for these turn-of-the-century Austrian pieces to have a high zinc or brass content, giving them a lighter, more yellow tone than traditional dark statuary bronze.

The mark “47 REAL BRONZE 51” is the primary clue to this inkwell’s history. While the mark indicates “Bronze,” it looks like brass; in the context of turn-of-the-century metalware, “Real Bronze” was a specific trade designation used by high-end foundries in Vienna, Austria, to distinguish their copper-alloy castings from cheaper “spelter” (white metal/zinc) imitations.

1. The Workshop: Argentor-Werke (Vienna)

The specific layout of your mark—with the material name in a central box flanked by catalog or model numbers—is the hallmark of Argentor-Werke Rust & Hetzel, one of the most prominent metalware factories in Vienna during the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) period.

• Maker: Argentor-Werke was a massive producer of “Vienna Bronzes” and silver-plated goods. They frequently collaborated with designers from the Wiener Werkstätte (Vienna Workshops).
• The Numbers: The “47” is the design or model number, and the “51” typically refers to the size or a specific batch in the factory’s catalog.
• The “Real Bronze” Name: This was not a brand name but a quality guarantee. In 1900, many “bronze” items were actually cast zinc with a bronze-colored wash. By stamping it “Real Bronze,” the foundry was certifying that the piece was a true copper-based alloy (bronze or high-quality brass) that would hold a gold-toned polish and develop a genuine patina.

2. Style and Origin

• Design Movement: This is a textbook example of Austrian Jugendstil (circa 1895–1910).
• Floral Relief: The impressed flowers are primroses (or possibly stylized poppies), a favorite motif of the Viennese Art Nouveau movement.
• The Surface: The “hammered” texture (known as martelé) on the tray was intended to give the piece a hand-crafted, artisanal look, contrasting with the smooth, machine-like finishes of the Victorian era.
• Origin: Vienna, Austria.

3. Construction and Age

• Age: Circa 1900–1905.
• Material: The alloy is likely a “gilding metal” or “red brass” (a type of bronze with high copper and zinc content). This allowed for the crispness of the floral relief and the bright, golden appearance you see today.

Summary Table