A mid-17^th century German silver gilt tankard, Nuremberg circa 1640 by Johann Kartenbush (meister 1621, d.1660)

Of cylindrical form upon a spreading circular foot, the ribbed C scroll handle leading to a hinged stepped domed lid raised by a twin scroll and shield form thumbpiece with an ornate fulcrum. The body with embossed lobes of strap work and shell forms, forming vignettes with flat chased bouquets of fruits alternating with flowers, the lid with similar lobes and a vacant disc top, probably lacking a superstructure. Marked underneath with town mark and maker’s mark IK in a rectangle (Rosenberg 4182) and assay scrape (tremolierstich).

Height – 13.7 cm / 5.4 inches

Weight – 499 grams / 16.04 ozt