Hi rustyspoon,
Bahner is right when he says that it is a key ring.
The firm of Theodor Heiden is acutually selling keyrings.
The foto from 1909 shows the workskop of theodor Heiden's firm in Munich, Karlstr. 11.
The mark of the silversmith Theodor Heiden shows the "
Münchner Kindl", in combination with his initials.
I discovered a text about Theodor Heiden's firm in my documents, but unfortunately I don't have a source.
Theodor Heiden (b.1812-d.1865)
The dynasty of the Heiden jewellery firm began with the modeller, engraver and chaser Theodor Heiden. In 1825 he served a five years apprenticeship with the important Munich silversmith, Ludwig Wollenweber. Following his apprenticeship Heiden worked in Vienna before returning to Munich ten years later. In 1850 Heiden was admitted as a citizen. He was first located at Am Graben 10, and from 1864 at Fürstenfelder Straße 19. From 1862 on Heiden taught at the chasing-school at the Sendlinger Tor. He died in 1865 at the age of 53 years.
Theodor Heiden II (b.1853-d.1928)
Following the death of his father in 1865, twelve year old Theodor Heiden II began a five years apprenticeship with the silversmith Alois Kronenbitter. His brother Max Heiden also became a goldsmith. The business was continued by their mother. Theodor Heiden II, like his father, also perfected his trade at Vienna, working for Stefan Schwartz. In 1880 he returned to Munich and in 1887 was granted his civil liberty. His first workshops were located at Müllerstraße 48, before relocating to Maximiliansplatz 2. Theodor Heiden II was appointed Court-Goldsmith in 1897, and in 1898 the company opened a factory at Karlstrasse 11, and a store at Odeonsplatz 18. The firm exhibited their products at the World Expositions at Paris, Brussels and Chicago. Following the devastating effects of World War One, the business struggled, but gradually rose again and in 1928 relocated to the Hotel Bayerischer Hof. Just a few months after the opening of their new store, Theodor Heiden II passed away at the age of 75 years.
Theodor Heiden III (b.1892-d.1969)
The company then passed to Theodor Heiden III, who was assisted by his brothers Wilhelm and Eduard Heiden. The premises at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof was destroyed by bombing on the 24th February 1944 and it was not until the end of hostilities that the business was restarted.
Bahner mentioned the website, where you can read more about the company.
Source: Hallmark: ©privat collection
Old foto: Sammlung Heiden München, 2003, Neumeister, München
Old postcard: Wikipedia
Regards
Silverstone
