Born in Erbach, Germany, Ferdinand Preiss was orphaned at the age of 15 and was taken in by ivory carver Philipp Willmann, which in no doubt had an influence on his journey into the artistry of sculpture. During his travels outside of Erbach, Preiss met Arthur Kassler and together they founded the Preiss & Kassler company. The pair were a perfect match, as Kassler took care of the practical side of the business, whilst Preiss was free to direct the company under his artistic direction.
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The company initially dedicated itself to creating small ivory carvings depicting children and classical shaped figurines, which were often carved from old ivory pool balls. By 1910, the company grew and became renowned for their limited edition Art Deco cabinet pieces, stunning works created using painted bronze with ivory presented on plinths of onyx and marble. Only occasionally were mantel clocks and candelabra made. Preiss' skill revolutionised ivory carving as he developed the technique of using a dental drill, producing the chryselephantine figures more precisely and quickly.
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A tireless worker, Preiss drew almost all of the company's models. Soon Preiss & Kassler began exporting to England and the United States. Preiss's works, along with those of Demetre H. Chiparus, are considered the pinnacle of Art Deco sculpture and are highly regarded by modern collectors.
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Preiss & Kassler closed with the death of Preiss, who died due to a brain tumour on 29 July 1943. The old workshop on Ritterstraße in Berlin, which housed the samples stock, was destroyed in a fire caused by a bomb attack before the end of the Second World War.
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Preiss's sculptures are often successful at auction. In 2007, Autumn Dancer realised £45,600 at Sotheby's. Preiss & Kassler's pieces are also widely recognised and appreciated for their sculptures of 20th century women from the world of theatre and sport.