- 106
Romanian silver-gilt flagstaff head
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- silver
- 18.9cm, 7 1/2in high
arrow shaped, engraved on one side 'S.M. / A.N.H.S. / AN. DO./ 1645' above stylised foliage flanked by weavers' shuttles and on the other with the town arms of Brasov and foliate strapwork
Literature
Exh. Cat. Couven-Museum Aachen, 2003, no. 22
Condition
In overall good condition. The stem slightly bent. In two parts. maker's mark badly struck incorporating S and device. Very nice 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Prominent among the old guilds of Kronstadt (modern Brasov in Romania) was that of the Weavers to whom this present staff head once belonged. Engraved with the arms of the city (the crown and tree roots) and two weavers’ shuttles as well as plants (which may represent cotton bushes), it is thought to have been carried by officials of the guild on formal and festive occasions. The arrow head form probably alludes to the role of the guilds in Brasov's defensive system. One of Brasov’s historic buildings is the Weavers’ Bastion (Cetatea Brasovului), erected by the guild between 1421 and 1436 as part of the city’s fortifications. Flagstaff heads of this form were taken to battle. A similar shaped example from 1623 was captured from the army of the bosnichen (Bosnian) Ibraham Pascha by Christians under Nicolas Esterházy see: András Szilágyi,Die Esterházy Schatkammer, Budapest, 1994, p. 109.
Johannes Süssmilch I became a master goldsmith in 1640. He was chosen as Chief Guild Master for the years of 1665-1667, 1671 and 1673-1674. One authority states that he died in 1675, another in 1688.
Marcus Schoppel became a master in 1644. He was Chief Guild Master from 1658 to 1662 and died in 1665.
Johannes Süssmilch I became a master goldsmith in 1640. He was chosen as Chief Guild Master for the years of 1665-1667, 1671 and 1673-1674. One authority states that he died in 1675, another in 1688.
Marcus Schoppel became a master in 1644. He was Chief Guild Master from 1658 to 1662 and died in 1665.