Black-grey and slightly veined Zöblitz serpentine, gilt brass
Zöblitz/Saxony, 1617
Cylindrical body with a slight conical form and a thin wall
Gilt brass mounts, presumably Augsburg
Domed hinged lid with elaborate chasing and detachable ball knob; on the inside of the cover chased arms of alliance with the representations of a jumping horse and a bird in wreath of leaves as well as the date ‘1617’ and abbreviation ‘MSHBF’; sculpted thumb rest in the form of a winged fantasy figure with fishtail; curved ear handle with bead molding
Two bands of gilt brass with etched needle decor encircling the body; brass band with stylized lancet leaves on the profiled foot
Overall height, including the cover: 21 cm
Good condition
Rare sumptuous wedding tankard with elaborate chased décor

This German wedding tankard made from Saxon serpentine is dated 1617 and presents a beautiful cover with chased floral and ornamental medallions and a sculpted thumb rest in the form of a fantasy figure with a fishtail. An alliance crest inside the cover depicts a jumping horse and a bird in a wreath of leaves and the abbreviation ‘MSHBF’ in addition to the date. The tankard has a cylindrical body with a slight conical form and a thin wall. Two gilt brass bands with an etched needle décor run all round the body. The curved ear handle with a bead molding and the lancet leaves frieze made of gilt brass at the foot are of particular note.

The tankard is in good condition, showing only minor wear. The total height, including the cover, is 21 cm.

Zöblitz Serpentine

The serpentine was widely used in Europe before the widespread introduction of porcelain at the end of the 18th century due to its good processability on the lathe. In Zöblitz, the extraction of serpentine was operated since the 15th century. This is documented by the inventory of the Saxon silver chamber at the end of the 15th century, mentioning fork handles of serpentine. In the 16th century, Augustus of Saxony possessed equipment from serpentine in his famous cabinet of curiosities. The mounts were mostly made of silver, tin, copper and brass, and were manufactured at the place of the buyer of the serpentine item, whereas dealer invoices as well as city and maker’s marks often give clues to the export routes, which took the Saxon serpentine throughout Europe. (cko)

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.