Silver-gilt "Rathspokal" standing cup, Nienburg an der Weser, 1648

Lot 1708. Silver-gilt "Rathspokal" standing cup, Nienburg an der Weser, 1648. Unassigned maker's mark HCT or HGT. H 46.3 cm. 8583 g. Estimate: CHF 30 000 / 50 000 (€ 25 000 / 41 670). © Koller

Expertise: Prof. Dr. Ernst-Ludwig Richter, Freudental, September 2015 (copy available). 

Provenance: - Nienburg an der Weser, probably 1648 to 1681.
- Copenhagen, until July 1892. 
- Collection of Frederic H(enry) Betts, from 1892.
- Swiss private collection. 
- European private collection.

Note: Engraved vegetal ornaments and 25 names decorate the lobes of the cup, which, according to the expertise by Prof. Dr. Ludwig Richter, allow conclusions to be drawn as to the cup's history.

Most of the names mentioned on the cup can be clearly associated with the city of Nienburg on the Weser and suggest a local whereabouts for the years between 1648 to 1861. Found among the mentioned names are primarily councillors, senators, and also a Nienburg mayor, Marcus Toyte. However, wealthy merchants, city officials and a captain are also named.

This list of names leads to the assumption that this work was probably less likely the property of a rifle guild or craft guild, but rather an object from the Nienburg town hall.

Koller. Silver & Porcelain - Tuesday 25 September 2018 04.00 PM