A large German parcel-gilt silver cup and cover, Gödert Bodtstede, Hamburg, 1664-1670. Photo Sotheby's.

Fortuna finial and baby Bacchus stem, underside with contemporary inscriptions oNo. 1645 and F van Holte fecit , red painted inventory number 9; 72cm. high; 28¼in.; 2324gr, 74oz 14dwt. Estimation 20,000 — 30,000 GBP

Gödert Bodtstede (working dates circa 1649-1672) was apprenticed to Dietrich Thor Moye see lot 121. The latter was goldsmith for numerous royal gifts such as the table centre presented to Czar Michail Romanov by Christian IV, King of Denmark in 1644.

Bodstede made the christening font in conjuction with Christian Mundt II, which since 1671 has been used for the baptism of Danish royal family members. See: Erich Schliemann et al., Die Goldschmiede Hamburgs, Hamburg, 1985, vol II, no. 208. The inscription F Van Holte fecit, stippled on the underside, may refer to the designer. The van Holte were a well established Hamburg family including a 16th century mayor and a 17th century goldsmith. Although no F van Holte has been identified, a connection can be made between the Bodstede and Holte families. The goldsmith Heinrich vom Holte was apprenticed to Harmen Luders whose brother had been apprenticed to Bodstede.

Sotheby's. Of Royal and Noble Descent. London | 23 Jan 2014 - www.sothebys.com