Roessler, Frankfurt, Degussa AG - German 999.9 (24 ct) gold 'ribbon' of coiled form, stamped 'Feingold Degussa, Vorm. Roessler in Frankfurt a. Main, Deutsche Gold u. Silber Scheideanstait', probably mid 20th century, 232.8g approx

The origins of the firm Degussa AG began with Friedrich Ernst Roessler, (Darmstadt 1813 -1883, Frankfurt am Main).

Having initially trained in the engineering workshop belonging to his father, Johann Hector Roessler, he then completed a period of practical training at Munich's mint (as well as vising mints at Vienna, Stuttgart and Karlsruhe). At the end of 1834 Roessler returned to Darmstadt and worked with his father in the mint. In 1838 the senate of the Free City of Frankfurt decided to build a new Frankfurt mint, and sought the advice of Johann Roessler - who proposed his son to supervise construction and fitting out.

As coin assayer Roessler was also responsible for checking the fineness and weight of the minted coins. He was soon commissioned to begin building and equipping a precious metal separating facility in the city mint building, which opened in 1843 as a private company.

Roessler thereby laid the foundations of the precious metal and chemical company belonging to his sons Heinrich and Hector - the future Degussa AG.