Availability: Rare (Approximately 6 known examples)
Size: 28cm diameter(11″), height 8.5cm (3.3″), bowl depth 5cm (2″), legs 7.6cm (3″) in height
Maker(s): Unknown
Foundry: KRAAS BILDIESSEREI (Ernst Kraas Berlin – Kreuzberg foundry (founded 1883))
This bowl is made of bronzed white-metal and features a raised national eagle perched on a wreath of oak leaves enclosing a swastika. It is raised on three stepped angular feet and is foundry marked “KRAAS/BILDGUSS”.
It has been suggested this bowl was used for calling card placement at the entry foyer of important/administration buildings. Another theory is that these were used to place personal items from pockets at security check points when entering public buildings (like our modern day airport check points). Yet another theory has it as a souvenir bowl from the 1935 Reichsparteitag at Nuremberg.
The design suggests an SS influence (Including legs that are shaped like runes) and it has been referred to as an SS Bronze Bowl.
Note in the pictures below one of the examples of the bowls, the legs do not sit flat to the floor. Whether this is intentional or a production defect is not known.
Pics:
Reproductions:
There are reproductions of this bowl. They are smaller in size (<10.75″ diameter), usually mad of bronze and are of lower quality.
