Simon Rosenau

Commemorative plate; SIMON ROSENAU (1839-1920), Germany, 19th century.
Patinated bronze and silver 800,
With punches.
Measurements: 21.5 cm (diameter).
The image shows a decorative plate or heraldic shield with an intricate design in silver on bronze, The central element is a detailed coat of arms, which includes a helmet with a plume in the form of a bird or griffin, surrounded by elaborate scrolls and foliage.
Simon Rosenau began his business in Kissingen in 1862. He also had a branch in Paris. At first he was listed as "Hofantiquar", i.e. supplier of antiques to the Bavarian royal court. His son Hermann Simon Rosenau (b. 1881, d. 1943) took over his father's business in the 1890s and began selling antique silverware in the Hanau style. H. S. Rosenau had strong ties to Hanau industry (especially Schleissner and Neresheimer) and I believe that much of the "antique" silver with the Rosenau mark was actually manufactured by Hanau-based companies. It was retired in 1932. I don't know what happened to the store after that. H. S. Rosenau lived first in Munich and later in Paris, from where he was deported on October 28, 1943 via Drancy to Auschwitz."