A silver-gilt-mounted Meissen porcelain tankard, circa 1730

boldly painted with indianische Blumen, a bird in flight above riotous flowering plants in underglaze blue and brilliant enamels, above a trellis border studded with flowerheads and enclosing flower reserves, the strap handle with a further flowering branch, the silver-gilt mounts engraved with quartered arms of the Stein von Altenstein family of Bavaria and Prussia, marked CD and M, probably Saxony,

sold at Kaupp, Sulzburg, Germany, 26th-28th November 2009, lot 534

For the arms see, J.B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Volume 2, p. 832

Some wear to the gilding on the veins and edges of the blue flowers. Very minor light surface scratches to the glaze. Minor wear to silver- gilt. Nut lacking which secures cover to the handle.
"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."

A covered jar of this type and with a closely similar border pattern, see R. Rückert, Meissener Porzellan, 1966, no. 525, pl. 133.

The Stein von Altensteins were created Barons of the Holy Roman Empire by Leopold I on 11th February 1695.