A large parcel-gilt silver tankard, unmarked, probably Swedish, circa 1710

the base and foliate-engraved hinged cover fitted with 17^{th century Swedish medals, body accollée armorial engraved}

Overall condition and gilding very good, a few very small dents; good weight and imposing piece; excellent engraving.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The medal in the cover is a Sweden, Charles X Gustav (1654-1660) commemorating the crossing  of the frozen sea by the Swedish army during the second Northern War with Denmark in 1658. On the base a Sweden, Charles XI medal by Arvid Karlsteen (1647-1718) commemorating the establishment of Lutheranism in that country.  
Tradition records that this tankard has descended in the female line of the Gulston family.

The arms are those of those of Gulston, probably impailed by Simondi. Anne Gulston brother of Joseph Gulston (1694-1766) was granddaughter of King Charles II's chaplain the Dean of Chichester. Her father was a merchant in Lisbon. She married as her first husband, Mr Simondi, Swedish consul to Portugal. A record of 1832 gives a picture of Anne Gulston `Anne was uncommonly beautiful, hauty, vain and overbearing to the greatest degree... She married as her first husband, Roger Simondi , Swedish consul to Portugal, in February 1733. Mr Gulston (her brother) did not approve of the match; nor did she like the man; but his diplomatic dignity and a litter which cost him 500 pounds, the only carriage with which women of distinction were conveyed, turned the scale in his favour'  John Nichols F.S.A., The Literary Anecdotes, vol. v, London, 1828, pp 2-4.