Gabriel Hermeling Neo-Gothic Cologne Silver Altar Crucifix

An Exceptional, Museum-Quality 19th-Century Masterpiece

Presenting a breathtaking, one-of-a-kind solid "Cologne Silver" (Kölner Silber) altar crucifix by the renowned 19th-century German silversmith Gabriel Hermeling (1833–1904). 
Operating out of Cologne—the historic epicenter of the German Gothic Revival movement Hermeling was a celebrated master highly prized for his prestigious ecclesiastical commissions. This Neo-Gothic cross is a premier example of elite Cologne silver craftsmanship, boasting a completely documented provenance, substantial weight, and striking gemstone accents.
This is not a standard inventory piece; it is a bespoke, dated presentation artifact of remarkable historical significance.

Historical Provenance & Engraving
The hexagonal base of the crucifix features a beautiful, continuous hand-engraved dedication in Gothic script. It reads:
"Dem hochwürdigen herrn Caplan Bernhard Schurz die dankbare kath. Gemeinde Ottweiler bei seinem Scheiden am 27. Oct. 1885."
English Translation:
"To the reverend Chaplain Bernhard Schurz, [from] the grateful Catholic parish of Ottweiler, upon his departure on October 27, 1885."
This pristine inscription provides a completely airtight history, anchoring the piece directly to Ottweiler, Germany, in the late autumn of 1885.
Design & Craftsmanship

Executed in the Gothic Revival style, the crucifix rises from an elegantly engraved hexagonal base into a sturdy, twisted stem. The cross itself features trefoil terminals tipped with fleur-de-lis. Set into the front of the terminals and the center of the cross are five (5) original, genuine deep-blue lapis lazuli cabochon stones. The celestial blue of the lapis perfectly contrasts with the heavy silver and beautifully complements the finely modeled cast corpus (Christ figure) and the radiating rays at the intersection of the crossbars.

Specifications:
Maker: Gabriel Hermeling (Köln/Cologne)
Hallmarks: Stamped strictly on the base rim with 800 (indicating 800-standard solid silver) and G.HERMELING
Date: October 27, 1885
Materials: Solid 800 Silver, Lapis Lazuli (5 stones)
Height: 52 cm (approx. 20.4 inches)
Width: 23 cm (approx. 9 inches)
Weight: 740 grams (approx. 26.1 ounces)

Condition:
Excellent antique condition. The silver retains a gorgeous, unpolished patina that highlights the depth of the engraving and the sculptural details of the Christ figure. The structure is incredibly robust with no bends or breaks. All five lapis lazuli stones are original, securely set, and intact. There is a slight dent on the top of the cross, which represents honest wear commensurate with an ecclesiastical artifact of this age.
This is a rare opportunity for collectors of antique liturgical silver, Gothic Revival art, or significant Catholic artifacts to acquire a securely dated, fully documented masterwork of Cologne Silver.
For other references to Gabriel Hermeling's work. Please see the links below to Sotheby's and Christie's.

Sotheby's - A German cup with enamels, pearls, corals, precious stones and silver-gilt mounts, Gabriel Cologne, 1906
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/hotel-lambert-une-collection-princiere-volume-ii-kunstkammer/a-german-cup-with-enamels-pearls-corals-precious

Christie's - AN IMPRESSIVE ANTIQUE ENAMEL AMETHYST AND DIAMOND CROSS PENDANT ON A CHAIN
https://www.christies.com.cn/en/lot/lot-3875293