Two German pewter-mounted serpentine tankards or steins Probably Saxony, late 17th and mid 18th century, the pewter mounts apparently unmarked, the second monogramed and dated The first of part canted slightly tapering cylindrical form, the moulded domed lid with a fine beaded border and inset serpentine domed circular panel the hinge mounted with a knopped circular finial, the second of slightly swept tapering cylindrical form, the moulded lid with engraved initials AF over date 1766, the handle with a scallop shell thumbpiece and scrolling terminal, the first 21cm high, the second 17cm high (2) Footnotes: Quarried in Saxony from at least the 15th century, Zöblitz serpentine was prized throughout Europe for its rich colour and its suitability for turning on a lathe. Its earliest use is recorded in the late-15th-century inventory of the Saxon Silver Chamber, while in the following century objects of serpentine formed part of the celebrated Kunstkammer of Augustus, Elector of Saxony. Often mounted in silver, tin, copper or brass, such objects were traded widely across Europe, with contemporary invoices and civic and makers' marks attesting to their extensive distribution. This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: * * VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing