Austrian dimensional Hippocampus brooch with original case by G.A.S.

This Austrian brooch, dating to the Art Nouveau period (1870–1890), is crafted in silver and silver gilt, set with two emeralds, a pinkish-red ruby, and red paste. It bears the maker’s mark G.A.S. and is identical to a piece housed in the Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim in Germany.

The brooch was created by Georg Adam Scheid, a renowned Austrian goldsmith and jeweler celebrated for his exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs. Scheid masterfully blended the flowing lines of Art Nouveau with the more abstract and enigmatic elements of the Viennese Secessionist style, particularly in his use of precious metals and gemstones.

Pforzheim, known as the "Golden City" of Germany, was one of the wealthiest towns in pre-World War II Germany. From the late 18th to the early 20th century, it became a European jewelry hub, thanks to its expertise in gilding and jewelry craftsmanship, as well as its advantageous location. The town holds a prominent place in jewelry history.

The brooch depicts a hippocampus, the fish-tailed horse of the sea from Greek mythology. Its dimensional structure is substantial yet intricately detailed, showcasing flowing manes and finely sculpted, scale-covered, curled tail fins. The gilded silver belt adorned with vibrant stones adds a dramatic and luxurious touch to the design, which is both dynamic and elegant.

This piece is in good antique condition, showing normal signs of oxidation and wear consistent with its age. It features the G.A.S. maker's mark and comes with its original case. As condition assessments are subjective, please click and enlarge our photos to examine additional details as part of your evaluation.