A Meissen Böttger polished stoneware gilt-metal-mounted tankard, circa 1711-13

probably modelled by Johann Jacob Irminger, of tall cylindrical form with loop handle, the hinged cover inset with a Saxon thaler dated 1711, depicting the King on horseback, coat of arms below, the reverse inscribed 'FRID:AUG: REX ELECTOR & VICARIUS POSTMORT:IOSE:IMPERAT:MDCCXI', hairline crack,

There is a horizontal hairline crack which continues around the full diameter of the body just below the rim. The interior has been set with an inner liner of the same material, which has a chip an associated hairline crack. For all sales which take place on or after 1 February 2015, please note that the rate of buyer's premium for each lot (charged as a percentage of the hammer price achieved for that lot) has been revised and shall be calculated at the thresholds set out below: Buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price up to and including £100,000; Buyer's premium is 20% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £100, 000 up to and including £1,800,000; Buyer's premium is 12% of the hammer price on any amount in excess of £1,800,000. As stated above, the revised thresholds are effective as of 1 February 2015.
"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 form was probably designed by the Dresden Court Goldsmith, Johann Jacob Irminger. The Meissen manufactory inventory of 3rd August 1711 lists numerous tankards including '54 hohe glatte Bier Krüge (gebrannt)' [highly glazed Beer mugs]. See Claus Boltz, Formen des Böttgersteinzeugs im Jahre 1711', Mitteilungsblatt der Keramikfreunde der Schweiz, 96/1982, pp.7-40. A closely related example is in the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, Porzellan-sammlung, inv. no. P.E.2247 (pub. by Willi Goder et al., Johann Friedrich Böttger die Erfindung des Europäischen Porzellans, 1982, no.78)