A rare German 'Scherzglas' or Siphon glass, probably early 18th century

the centre of the round funnel bowl with an upright stick of glass, set on a stem consisting of a hollow knop, flanked by collars, over a tiered inverted baluster knop upon a spreading foot, on to which fits a tall hollow stem, the top hollow section formed of four stags with interlocking antlers, one with a pierced open mouth, some crizzling, chips to top section,

To the goblet: There is some faint crizzling and surface scratches throughout the body. To the top moulded section: Two of the legs have a crack, three antler tips have a chip, there are some chips along the bottom terminal.
"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."

Trick or joke glasses of this type based on a sucking-tube seem to have a long history in Germanic countries. Some examples seem to go back to the 16th century, see Brigitte Klesse, Kunstgewerbemuseum der stadt Köln, Glas, 1963, p. 87, no. 155 for a related siphon glass with a 16th century attribution. A glass of this type surmounted with a group of three stags is illustrated by R. Schmidt, Das Glass, pl. 83. A closely related example surmounted with a bridled horse and a stag was sold in these rooms on 2nd June 1969, lot 21. For comparative literature see R. J. Charleston, Michael Archer, The James A. de Rothschild collection at Waddesdon Manor catalogue, Glass and Stained Glass, 1977, p. 221, no. 62.

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.