The "Pforzemer Seckel" stands confidently with a mischievous grin on the market square in Pforzheim.
The 1.40 meter high bronze sculpture was commissioned by the city of Pforzheim in 1985. Thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Eberhard Bosch, the commission was realized by Fritz Theilmann.
Fritz Theilmann (1902-1991) was a native of Karlsruhe and studied sculpture in Karlsruhe in 1921.
Through his realistic imagery, Theilmann gave a face to the Urpforzheim term "Seckel" and created a personification.
For the understanding of the nickname "Seckel" several interpretations have asserted themselves within a larger number of historical interpretations.
On the one hand, the word "Seckel" could mean the small leather bags or pouches with gold coins that could be won at the annual Pforzheim marksmen's festivals since the Middle Ages. Successful shooters received well-filled "Säckel", while less shooting participants received only half-full bags.
On the other hand, deciphering the term leads to the historical incident that after the founding of the Pforzheim jewelry industry in 1767, coin gold was used as raw material, which was fetched from the bank in open containers for all to see.
Another interpretation assumes that goldsmiths collected the valuable waste from the goldsmith's work in pouches and carried them to the refinery.
All versions have in common that a bulging pouch stood for a successful wearer or bearer. Therefore, a "Halbseckel", a Pforzheim swear word, is more reserved for less successful people.
The importance of the Pforzemer Seckel is underlined by its central location, directly in front of the New City Hall, and its elevated position by a 20 cm high pedestal.
The depicted boy is about 12 years old. He could also have been an apprentice boy, a so-called "Schmotz". The name came from the fact that apprentices in the beginning mainly took over the dirty work, such as sweeping. The boy's clothes and shoes were much too big for him. Children of working-class families often wore the clothes of their older siblings.Nevertheless, the "Pforzemer Seckel" stands confidently in the pedestrian zone and is a popular photo motif.
