- 258
unmarked early German parcel-gilt silver egg cup on foot
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 GBP
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Description
- silver
- 7.9cm, 3 1/8 in long
oval with egg-shaped recess, the rim inscribed WER.GOT.VERDRAVT.HAT.WOL.GEBAVT and dated 1594
Literature
Exh. Cat. Couven-Museum Aachen, 2003, no. 6
Condition
probably old repair to two of the fleur-de-lys feet. small dents to rim of foot and little surface split to join of body and rim, generally pretty good condition and good colour. nice piece.
"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
The inscription is part of of the first verse of a Lutheran Hymn probably written by pastor Joachim Magdeburg (1525-1587) and published in Erfurt in 1572. Wer Gott vertraut, hat wohl gebaut. Im Himmel und auf Erden roughly translates as "Who trusts in God, a strong abode / In heaven and earth possesses". The inscription naturally works as a grace before eating but might also be related to the item's function in an amusing way. It was widely said in the 16th century that Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched or that Erasmus laid the egg that hatched the reformation. It is not know if another silver egg cup from the 16th century exists. Michael Clayton records an early written account of a sillver ege thing.. from a Lady Hervey in 1690 and Helmut Seling records and illustrates an egg cup of 1625. See: The collector's Dictionary of Silver and Gold of Great Britain and North America, Woodbridge, 1985, p165 and Die Augsburger Gold-und Silberschmiede 1529-1868, Munich, 2007, no. 1223(a).