More on Gurschner...A sculptor, medal-maker and applied art designer, Gustav Gurschner studied at the FachS für Holzbildhauerei (Vocational School of Carving) in Bozen before moving to Vienna in 1888. He went to the KGS college in Vienna in 1894, later also studying in Munich and Paris. Gurschner was a founder member of the Secession and Hagenbund associations in Vienna, and for several years headed the Vienna State Bronze Foundry (Kunsterzgießerei). He started his career with portraiture but soon dedicated himself to small figurative sculptures cast in bronze, employing the same material with utility objects. Gurschner worked for a wide range of prestigious clients, including Emperor Francis Joseph I, for whom he produced large numbers of medals, sculptures, honorary awards, prizes and monuments. From
http://www.moravska-galerie.cz/igalerie/output/en_author000312_1.htmlMarcylove, I looked at alot of Gurschner objects but this "pot" only shows up in that Worthpoint reference and that auction in Germany in 2006. Quite a scarce piece. I doubt the description in the Worthpoint reference is accurate. Probably a made-up story to elevate the object for increased $ from eBay bidders. I do not believe the added SSN engraving on the bottom adds to the value but do not know if it detracts much either due to its' location.
I would not clean off the patination or buff any more of it. Losing the patina would be like throwing money out the window.
