A documentary silver-gilt-mounted Meissen tankard, the mounts dated 1745

painted by Johann Gottfried Nitzschner, signed with monogram on base, with large bouquets of deutsche Blumen and a single ombrierte fly, the handle delicately painted in purple with baroque ornament, the silver-gilt mounts set with a Brunswick coin of 1688 and inscribed Hinrich Tamm/ Anna Tammen/ HS 1745, maker's mark PS struck twice, probably North Germany, faint crossed swords mark in underglaze-blue, impressed number 20, painter's mark JGN in puce,

With Kunsthandel Dr. Dagmar Holz, Königswinter

Very minor light surface scratching to the glaze.Minor wear to silver-gilt highlights.
"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."

Johann Gottfried Nitzschner seems to be the most appropriate candidate for the owner of these initials, but there are others, and the factory records of his work ('blaue deutsche blumen... III classe') imply a less-skilled painter than the author of this finely painted piece.

The Tamm family was, and remains, based in North Germany, in particular Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark.