Designer: Carl Auböck III (1924 – 1993)

Item: Railroad Spike Paperweight Model #5038

Manufactured by: Werkstätte Carl Auböck

Country of origin: Austria

Year made: 1960s

Materials: Patinated brass

Dimensions: 1 ½” x 6 ½” x 1 ¼”

Condition: Excellent

References: Auböck, Carl IV, die kataloge der werkstätte carl auböck 1925 – 1975, Carl Auböck Archive (2005); Auböck, Carl IV, die arbeiten der Werkstätte carl auböck – fotografiert von 1948 – 2005, Carl Auböck Archive (2009); Kuzmany, Marion, Auböck 1924 - 1993 Architect: Design for Modern Living, Verlang Anton Pustet (2009).

Description: Here is an another one of Carl Auböck III’s whimsical paperweights, this fashioned as a railroad spike, and apparently to an actual railroad spike size. When initially introduced these were made in both a polished brass finish and this patinated and brushed brass finish. The Werkstätte Carl Auböck still manufactures this object, but just in the polished brass finish and new examples can be purchased for about $450. But this is a true vintage model in the patinated finish. We purchased from an antique shop that was liquidating an estate collection that contained a number of wonderful vintage Auböck objects, some of which we were able to acquire.