A German silver-gilt ewer and basin, Christoph Wild, Augsburg, 1616-1620. Photo Sotheby's

embossed, chased and engraved on a matted ground with Ceres and a water sprite surrounded by lobate scrolls, the rim with fruits and flowers groups and detachable putti's heads at the oval basin; 43.5cm, 17 1/2 in wide. Est. 40,000—60,000 GBP. Lot Sold 58,850 GBP

Property of a German noble family.

NOTE: Among the very few existing pieces by Christoph Wild recorded by Helmut Seling is the so-called Hunting and Work table of the Elector Johann Georg I of Saxony. This includes about 250 silver articles covering the princely activities of hunting, science, wood turning, gardening and painying as well as the Toilet, fitted together in an elaborate ebony veneered casket. Wild's association with this unique survival gives some indication of his importance as a goldsmith. The Hunting and Work table's type known as 'Feldtischen' was invented and sold by the Augsburg dealer and princely agent Philipp Heinhofer, who supplied the courts of his time with objects made by the best goldsmiths, including other Augsburg masters such as Matthaus Wallbaum and the Lenckers, Christoph and Johannes.

Sotheby's. Noblesse Oblige, 14 Apr 11, London www.sothebys.com