A large 17th century German silver and parcel-gilt tankard, maker's mark ND unrecorded, Danzig (Gdansk Poland), second half of 17th century. Photo Bonhams.

Cylindrical and on domed spreading base chased with entwined ribbons with embossed flowers, the body with high relief decoration depicting the Biblical story of Abraham, one of the scenes depicts two figures embracing, this being the The Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek, flat and domed cover with chased entwined border and flowerheads and having a detachable figure of a swan with crown around its neck, scroll handle embellished with frosted acanthus leaf, height 25.5cm, weight 41.3oz. Sold for £10,625 (€13,272)

Notes: The maker is probably Nathaniel Detloff, active in Danzig 1689-1696. A very similar example is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw. Our thanks to Dr Anna Frąckowska for her assistance in identifying the maker.

Bonhams. FINE SILVER AND GOLD BOXES, London, New Bond Street, 18 Jun 2014 - www.bonhams.com