Antique Austro-Hungarian silver figural wax seal desk stamp, circa 1900. Superb casted solid silver sculptural figure representing the bust of a woman in Renaissance dress with extravagant collar, her up-swept hair crowned with flowers and leaves. The matrix with monogram, appears to be interlaced initials SL. Hallmarked for Vienna, Austria with the head of a dog indicating .800 silver, mark in use from 1867-1922. Maker's marks for silversmith HS, likely for Hermann Südfeld (Suedfeld), active 1883-1909. Measures 2 1/8". Weighs 56.7 grams. In overall good antique condition with general wear commensurate with age and use.
Hermann Südfeld & Co, manufacturing silversmiths and metalworkers, first founded in 1832 by the goldsmith Abraham Bernhard Bächer (A. B. Bächer). Hermann Südfeld took over the business in 1881, when production was increased and modern methods introduced. The firm was awarded prize metals at the exhibition in Vienna (1845 and 1873) and in London (1862).