A French silver-gilt "Rathsbecher" beaker, Johann Ludwig Imlin, Strasbourg, dated 1712

Strasbourg, although it became French under the reign of Louis XIV, retains a strong German influence, particularly in silversmithing. It was the center of gilt silver production in France, with a color and quality unmatched by any other city. Similarly, the present lot follows a German tradition of magistrates' goblets, an honorary symbol of attaining the dignity of a city magistrate member. It could be offered by the recipient to the council as a form of entry fee, contribution, and sign of belonging. Over the course of the 17th century, the honorary significance prevailed, and it became the city that offered the goblet to the new member. Our tankard bears the arms of the city of Hagenau and an inscription noting the name of the recipient, Mr. Johann Jacob Melsheim. This city legislated on the presentation of these goblets in 1681, during the council meeting of 13 June 1681, which stipulated that councilors’ allowances (Ratsbatzen) were discontinued in exchange for an annual silver goblet bearing the city’s arms, the year, and the surname of each member. This beaker is dated 1712, evidence that this decree continued into the 18th century. Another Strasbourg beaker is also referenced, but it is dated 1714. Each city often selected a single goldsmith to produce these goblets. Thus, Hagenau initially commissioned the Strasbourg goldsmith Salomon Godrio for the first delivery, but it appears that in the 18th century, the choice had shifted to Jean-Louis Imlin, a renowned member of the Strasbourg dynasty of goldsmiths. The latter seems to have also supplied other cities, such as Fort Louis, for which at least three tankards are known: one dated 1709, sold at Christie’s London on 29 November 2011, lot 505, and the other two at the Strasbourg Museum of Fine Arts.