UNUSUAL SILVER WREATH. Riga, 1898.

On a base consisting of two crossed branches, a three-dimensional wreath consisting of undulating leaves and berries, joined at lower center by bow with German engraved dedication: “The Kaiser’s Philanthropic Society Committee, to the artist Bronislav Hubermann, Riga, 14th January, 1898.” No marks found. H: 240mm.

Bronislav Hubermann was born in Czestochowa, Poland in 1882. A child prodigy, he played the violin for Emperor Franz Josef at the age of 10; and Brahms’ violin concerto before the composer himself in 1896. When the Nazis invaded Austria, Hubermann refused to perform with Furtwaengler and emigrated to Palestine, where he formed the Palestine Orchestra in 1936. The first concert was conducted by Toscanini. The violinist continued to work with the Orchestra until 1940; he died in 1947. (EJ VIII, col.1055)