A large ivory tankard, Jakob Heinle, Baden-Baden, 1903

carved with amorous  Bacchanalian subjects on four lion mask supports with nymph and putto handle, the hinged lid with secret compartment, the finial carved as a satyr, nymph and hound seated in close embrace, signed and dated: I : Heinle, B. Baden/ 1903

H.W. Hegemann, Elfenbein, Hanau, 1966, p. 34

A splendid and spirited piece. Evidently the lid split in two places around t he edge and has been reconstructed; the finial is now a different colour and has been attached to a later wooden plug. The finial also has split off the satyr's pelt and jug which have been reglued. Base panel lacking. The tip of one scroll below a lion mask support is lacking. Otherwise good condition with few joins or cracks.
"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."

Little information appears to be available about the life and career of Jakob Heinle and what there is appears to be somewhat conflicting. According to Hans Werner Hegemann, Heinle came from Geislingen,  one of the oldest ivory carving centres in Germany but unfortunately failing by 1900 as the tradition of elaborate, beautifully carved Historismus objects went out of fashion. He then appears to have moved to Baden-Baden where such work was still continuing but then joined Preiss in Erbach sometime before World War I. He is later recorded as joining Ludwig Walther in Berlin. Both Preiss and Walther’s studios developed the theme of carving athletic ivory dancers in the 1920s. Both Heinle and Walther have been credited with designing the popular group of St George and the Dragon which was much copied by ivory carvers both in Germany and in Asia.