A monumental silver lidded beer tankard executed in the expressive manner of Historicist Baroque. The cylindrical body is adorned with a continuous high-relief frieze depicting a large-scale battle composition. The dynamic scene presents cuirassed horsemen wearing plumed helmets, infantry soldiers in wide-brimmed felt hats, standard-bearers and military musicians. The masterful modelling conveys tension, movement and the dramatic climax of combat.
The upper and lower bands of the body are decorated with relief ornament of fruits, acorns and foliage symbolising abundance and martial virtue. The base is profiled with a pronounced serrated edge. The domed lid is embellished with vegetal motifs and crowned by a large spherical finial in the form of a stylised fruit. The interior is gilt. The richly ornamented S-shaped handle with scrolling and floral elements incorporates a functional thumb-piece mechanism for lifting the lid.
Hallmarks: Not identified or possibly lost due to age and use.
Dimensions: Height: 25 cm; Width: 19.5 cm; Base diameter: 15.5 cm.
Weight: 806 g.
Condition: Good. Minor traces of age and use. Interior gilding partially preserved. Mechanism in working order.
Provenance: Private European collection.
Silver lidded beer tankards hold an important place in the artistic culture of the German lands. In the 19th century, during the Romantic revival of interest in national history and medieval heritage, silversmiths frequently turned to historical narratives rendered in elaborate multi-figure relief. Battle scenes illustrating heroic episodes of the past became a powerful visual language expressing ideals of honour, courage and military glory.
The cylindrical form with a profiled base and domed lid continues the long-standing tradition of German Humpen associated with guild and urban ceremonial culture. In the first half of the 19th century such objects acquired not only functional significance but also representative value, serving as commemorative gifts, collectors’ items and distinguished interior ornaments within bourgeois households.
The high level of chasing and sculptural modelling attests to a well-developed professional silversmithing tradition. The detailed rendering of armour and weaponry, the compositional dynamism and the harmonious integration of ornamental bands with the narrative frieze underline the artistic coherence of the piece.
This tankard represents a compelling example of German silver of the first half of the 19th century, uniting Baroque decorative richness with Romantic historicist interpretation.
Surface with natural patina. Minor wear and light cleaning marks. Slight deformation to the edge of the base. Lid mechanism functioning properly. Overall condition consistent with age.
The condition report is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not comprehensive and may not reflect all defects, restorations, alterations, or adaptations, as Antiqon does not perform professional conservation-level assessments. The information is based on a qualified, yet subjective, evaluation by our specialists.Before purchasing, we recommend consultation with an independent expert.Please also consult our Terms and conditions and Glossary A-Z, which contain important information on lot characteristics and sale conditions.
