A steinbock horn beaker with probably German silver-gilt mounts, maker's mark FO, town mark three towers incorporating date letter D, circa 1725

the horn body carved with various stages of the steinbock hunt, detachable cover including standing model of the animal on a turned disc of the same horn, the silver-gilt mounts embossed and chased with Régence ornament

Some dents to the silver-gilt mounts, horn cover disc made in two halves pinned together and lower turned half has a split, general condition is good.
"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."

The horn of the steinbock (alpine ibex) is naturally ridged allowing for deep levels of carving. It became sought after in the early 18th century as a material for items such as beakers, tankards, snuff boxes and powder horns, normally associated with the work shops of Salzburg and Prague. A similarly carved early 18th century beaker with the same silver model of the animal as its finial is in the collection of the Dukes of Liechtenstein, Scholss Vaduz and another,  also with a Steinbock finial and similar Régence mounts was sold from the collection of Mayer Carl Rothschild (1820-1866) on the death of his son-in-law,  at Galerie George Petit, Paris, 1911, lot 91.