bol en argent par Pieter Bartolomeus van Linden, Amsterdam, 1768

finement gravé d'une scène de la chasse à la baleine et de la date 1768

engraved with whaling scenes including harpooning and flaying, polar bears in attendance, dated 1768 on the stern of a sailing vessel

clear marks, some minor surface scratches otherwise fine condition and 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."

Après la fondation de la Noordsche Companie au début du XVIIe siècle, la République de Hollande devint le pays le plus avancé pour la chasse à la baleine, le terrain de chasse principal étant près de Spitzbergen, au nord de la Scandinavie. La plus grande proie était la baleine boréale dont on tirait profit pour l'éclairage, le cuir, les habits et bien sûr les baleines pour les corsets des femmes. Cette activité utilisait également la fourrure et parfois l'ivoire des ours polaires, morses et phoques. Il fut même suggéré que la forme de l'os du tympan de la baleine aurait influencé l'art dit auriculaire développé au XVIIe siècle aux Pays-Bas. Il est extrêmement rare de trouver des pièces d'argenterie gravées avec de telles scènes. 

With the founding of the Noordsche Companie in the early 17th century, the Dutch Republic became one of the foremost whaling nations, with their principal hunting ground being near Spitzbergen north of Scandinavia. The principal catch was the bowhead whale, whose products were used for lighting, in the leather tanning, cloth making industries and whose baleen provided structure for women's clothing. The industry also provided fur, and to a lesser extent ivory and baculae from polar bears, walruses and seals. It has been suggested that the earbone of the whale provided the inspiration for a particular  style in art known as the auricular which was developed and perfected in the Netherlands. Representation of whaling on Dutch silver items is of great rarity.