Workshop History
The J.D. Schleissner & Söhne factory was established by the silversmith Johann Daniel Schleissner in the historic town of Hanau, which by that time had already earned a reputation as a center of silver production. Management of the workshop later passed to his sons, and the enterprise became known as Schleissner & Söhne. The manufactory remained in continuous operation until 1950, spanning more than a century of uninterrupted activity.The factory reached its peak in the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, Schleissner’s works were presented at international exhibitions and supplied to the courts of leading European monarchies. Particularly significant were commissions for the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Prussia, the Russian Empire, and the United Kingdom. Many pieces were created for official ceremonies, state gifts, and prestigious interiors.The factory’s production was distinguished by its unique stylization of historical periods. Schleissner became one of the foremost producers of so-called “archaeological silver”—objects made in the manner of late Gothic, Renaissance, Rococo, and Baroque styles. These works were characterized by exquisite casting and chasing, rich reliefs, complex forms, and compositions featuring allegorical and mythological themes.Thanks to the precision of execution and attention to historical detail, Schleissner silver was highly valued not only among the aristocracy but also by collectors and official patrons. The workshop successfully combined decorative richness with technical perfection, producing objects that rivaled museum-quality originals from previous centuries.
Marking and Attribution
The manufactory marked its pieces with the initials J.D.S. or J.D. Schleissner & Söhne, and used symbols typical of the Hanau school, such as stylized crowns, mythical animals, and heraldic shields. Export items often bore fineness designations such as “800,” “Sterling,” or “Germany.”
The J.D. Schleissner & Söhne Factory (1817–1950) represents a unique phenomenon in the history of German decorative arts. Its creations reflect a refined synthesis of the traditions and tastes of bygone eras with the craftsmanship of 19th-century German jewelers. These are not merely artisanal products, but artistic documents of an era when silver became a language of historical memory and courtly representation.