Erhard & Sohne Note Pad Holder, Jugendstil, Art Nouveau

An Erhard & Sohne holder for a note pad, dating to the early years of the 20th century.  The elaborate design motif on the front cover is typical of the designs used by the firm.  The techniques for their manufacture originated with the firm and it patented a number of processes for realizing elaborate designs on functional metal pieces such as this note pad holder.  Interestingly, among the images represented on the front panel is one which more nearly resembles the firm's own logo:  the lion-aquamanile, surmounting an "E." In this instances, it it a winged lion. There is also an eagle with out stretched wings.  The piece is well marked on the backside of the back cover with an "E" and lion-aquamanile.

The inside of the back cover appears to have been coated with a material which originated with the Orivit firm.  It is a lacquer coating containing brass, so as to resemble gold fill.  It also appears that the inside of the back cover was first coated with a copper wash before the lacquer was applied as can be seen in the third and fourth photographs. 

The piece is in good condition and could still be used  The piece measures Six [ 6.00 ] inches in length.  Or, 15.25 Cms.  Its width is Three & One-Half [ 3.50 ] inches.  Or, 9.00 Cms.