A mid-17th century Norwegian silver tankard (drikkekanne), Bergen 1669 by Oluf Jørgensen (active circa 1650-1700)

Of cylindrical form with a hinged curved sided lid raised by a cast and chased thumbpiece of a dove eating from an olive branch, all raised on three pomegranate feet with cast and applied foliate scroll junction. The hollow C scroll handle with a shield shaped terminal and applied cast acanthus work hinge section. The lid with engraved decoration of centred with a shield engraved with contemporaneous initials PKS over IRD, encircled within a scroll terminal device and edged with stylised flower heads. Faintly scratch engraved below initials with SS. The handle with engraved and hatched stylised flower heads as well as pendant drops, the shield terminal with a vacant central oval cartouche reserved with striations. The interior with four applied pegs. The underside engraved with scratch weight W47 ½ Lod. Also, with a later inscription underneath reading C.M to C.W 24 Oct 1904. Fully marked underneath with town date mark and makers mark (first version), the lid unmarked.

Height – 16.8 cm / 6.6 inches

Weight – 677 grams / 21.77 ozt

Oluf Jørgensen born in Dragset in Innvik, Nordfjord, was apprenticed to Lucas Steen from 1638-44, exhibiting his masterpiece on the 16^th June 1650 and then took his citizenship in April 1651. He married his former master’s daughter Emerentze, owning his own home by 1655. Part of the guild between 1663-66 and probation master 1671-75. He had many apprentices, including his two sons Michel and Jorgen Olsen, who went onto become goldsmiths in Bergen. He died around 1700.