Coupe sur pied en vermeil, Elgg, c. 1651

the rim inscribed "M.. Jacob Brenner Metzger zu Elgeüw verehrt den Bächer einem Wÿßen Raht zu Elgeü. Anno 1651", unmarked, detachable foot

Associated literature:
Kaspar Hauser, Geschichte der Herrschaft, Stadt und Geminde Elgg,  1895
Karl Mietlich, Geschichte der Herrschaft, Stadt und Geminde Elgg,  1946

inscription very clear, wear to gilding only at highlights, generally good condition.
"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."

Cette coupe est mentionnée dans un inventaire de 1708 des biens de la municipalité de Elgg, `1 hoher Becher, von Metzger Hs. Jb. Brenner (14 Loth)'  [une grande coupe, de la part du boucher Hans Jacob Brenner]. 14 lots is 14/16th d'un marc et un marc équivaut à 250 grammes. 

La raison précise d'un tel don de la part de Jacob Brenner reste inconnue, mais, à l'échelle de Elgg, petite commune près de Winterthur de 1000 âmes en 1634, il s'agissait probablement d'une importante forme de remerciement. Il se trouve qu'entre 1643 et 1674, la corporation des bouchers connut nombre de changements, notamment dans ses statuts ce qui provoqua ires et disputes. A cela, survint une brusque expansion du nombre de maîtres bouchers, de 2 à 5. 

Après 1798, tout le trésor fut vendu aux enchères avec la permissions des autorités municipales. Karl Mietlich essaya d'en retrouver trace après 1946 sans succès. Cette coupe représente extraordinaire découverte. 

This cup is recorded in a 1708 inventory of the chattels of the Elgg town government as `1 hoher Becher, von Metzger Hs. Jb. Brenner (14 Loth)' . Translated as: One tall beaker, from the Butcher  Hans Jacob Brenner. 14 loth is 14/16^th of a mark. One mark weighed approximately 250gr.

It is not known why Jacob Brenner the butcher gave this cup. It was undoubtedly a big `thank you' in the context of Elgg, a relatively small community  near Winterthur, comprising approximately 1000 souls in 1634.  However between 1643 and 1674 there were apparent changes within the butchers guild there, with a number of additions to the statutes governing procedures and disputes. With this came an expansion,  the number of master butchers more than doubled from 2 to 5 during this period

After 1798 the treasure was sold at auction with permission from the civic community and dispersed. Karl Mietlich investigated the dispersal in 1946 but was unable to locate a single item of value at the time.  The appearance of this cup therefore represents an extraordinary survival.