A Silesian Hochschnitt goblet and cover, Hermsdorf, Hirschberger Tal, circa 1720. Photo Bonhams

The thistle-shaped bowl cut in Hochschnitt and Tiefschnittwith five arched relief panels each engraved with an armour-clad and helmeted warrior, alternating with small oval medallions each depicting figures in landscapes or interiors, one inscribed Aucun temps ne le change, the reserve filled with ten finely engraved vignettes allegorical of the Seasons, the Senses and Faith, Hope and Charity, below a ropework border and stylised leaves to the rim, the lower section cut with extended facets over a reduced faceted knopped stem and later applied contemporary Bohemian conical foot, engraved with scroll and cut below with a floret, the domed cover cut with relief panels engraved with stylised leaf scroll alternating with formal foliate patterns, below a faceted spear finial 32cm high (foot replaced and some small chips to inner rim of cover) (2). Sold for £2,125 inc. premium

Provenance: Estate of Madame N., of Lorient, French auction, 28 November 1992
With Heide Hübner, Würtzburg

An almost identical example, lacking the cover, may be found in the Kestner-Museum, Hannover, see the catalogue, Christel Mosel, Bildkataloge des Kestner-Museums Hannover (1957), p.79, pl.48, no.149. It has been suggested that the iconography relates to the friendship of David and Jonathan.

The symbol of a fir tree and the motto Aucun temps ne le change are those of the Counts of von Schaffgotsch, patrons of the cutting workshops in Silesia establishing that the present lot was almost certainly engraved there, possibly at Kynast Castle.

Bonhams. 2 May 2013 10:30 BST London, New Bond Street. The Muhleib Collection of European Glass