German, Königsberg, early 17th century

comprised of two knives and two forks, the two knives each with unidentified maker's mark: CCC to the blade

Given the natural fragility of amber, the condition of the cutlery is good with minor dirt and wear to the surfaces consistent with age. There are small chips and losses to the amber throughout and craquelure to the surfaces of each of the panels; this is consistent with amber of this age. In a few cases, it is difficult to read the painted decoration on the foil underneath the amber, due to crazing. In the case of one of the knives and one of the forks, the bottom piece of amber appears to have fragmented and has been subsequently restored. There is rubbing to the gilt bronze finials, particularly to the high points; and it is possible that at least two of them may have been reattached (glue is visible). It is difficult to assess whether any of the utensils have been taken apart and put back together. However, there does not appear to be any noticeable restoration (apart from that mentioned above). The strips of silver wire are slightly warped in places. There is some wear to the steel, including a few nicks and small losses to the blades of the knives. Joints are visible where the steel connects with each of the handles.
"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."

This rare set of cutlery with amber handles exhibits all of the virtuoso techniques associated with the leading amber workers operating in early 17th-century Königsberg. The period is recognised as being the golden age of amber production in Europe, with celebrated makers such as Georg Schreiber creating splendid objects, which were exported to royal courts throughout the continent. The use of precious amber laid upon metal foil (probably gold), which has been painted with figures of Saints, is typical of the best Königsberg workmanship from the period. This technique, which results in the amber glowing a lustrous orange, could also be seen on the games board by Schreiber, sold in these rooms on 5 December 2012, lot 80.

For a similar knife with handle of hexagonal form, ebony inlaid with ivory, and amber panels lined with metal foil painted with figures of men, see the early 17th-century Königsberg example in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. M. 95-1923). Interestingly, there are a number of comparable English examples in the V&A, which are believed to have been made by German amber workers resident in London (inv. nos. 539-1901; M. 444; A-1927).

Such utensils would have been used only at important banquets, where they would have been intended to impress guests through bearing testament to the host's wealth and refinement. They are likely to have been used primarily for the ceremonial purpose of serving meats.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Trusted, Catalogue of European Ambers in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 1985, pp. 91-117, nos. 24-36; Amber. Treasures for European Kunstkammer, exh. cat. Kunstkammer Georg Laue, Munich, 2006, no. 8