Renaissance Vermeil Tankard with Birth and Baptism of Christ. German. Dated 1602. Photo Van Ham

Silver, gilt. Round, stepped base-ring with cylindrical, conically tapering wall. The hinged lid with beaded edge. On the curved middle is a small ball knob. The small handle in the form of a winged putti head. Below is a voluted handle with pearl decor. The wall is covered with dense, finely engraved decor. On the sides are oval cartouches. One with the birth of Christ, the proclamation to the shepherds in the background. At the bottom edge it is dated 'LVC II' on a band. In the opposing cartouche the baptism of Christ by John the Baptist with the Holy Spirit dove is depicted and 'HIC EST FILI ME'. Between the cartouches are half-figure cherubs with fruit and festoons. Height 16cm. Ca. 254. Condition C. Faint mark. Estimation : 3 000 / 3 500 €

Van Ham. Samedi 17 novembre 2012. Schönhauser Str. 10-16, 50968 Cologne. Tel.  +49 221 92 58 62-4.