ANTIQUE 19thC GERMAN SOLID SILVER LARGE CUP FORMED AS A BEAR, HANAU c.1890
19th Century German Silver cup and cover formed as a model of a bear, very large, heavy, decorative and realistically modelled as a bear standing on his hind legs holding a ragged staff, realistically chased with fur, detachable head. Hallmarked, as often the case for silver made in Hanau, only the head is marked with 17th Century pseudo-marks, probably for Gebruder Gutgesell, active in Hanau in the late 19th Century.
REFERENCE NUMBER: A2896
DESCRIPTION
Antique 19th Century German Solid Silver cup and cover formed as a model of a bear, very large, heavy, decorative and realistically modelled as a bear standing on his hind legs holding a ragged staff, realistically chased with fur, detachable head.
The cup is unusually large and features an exceptional workmanship. The piece imitates the rare 17th Century German drinking vessels modelled in form of animals (please follow this link to British Museum). A similar cup modelled as a bear was sold for over £190,000 (please follow this link).
A 19th Century copy, much smaller than the one here presented, was recently sold for £8750 (please follow this link).
The piece is Hallmarked, as often the case for silver made in Hanau, only the head is marked with 17th Century pseudo-marks, probably for Gebruder Gutgesell, active in Hanau in the late 19th Century. The piece has been acid tested and shows a 900+ high standard.
CONDITION
In Great condition - No damage.
SIZE
Height: 25.8cm
Weight: 795g
