A Monumental German Silver Medieval-style Flagon, Neresheimer, Hanau, with Chester import marks for 1899

of baluster form, spirally boldly lobed, centered by a frieze of demi-musicians modeled in full relief playing various instruments against gothic foliage, dragon handle, the cover in the form of an openwork gothic cupola centered by a pelican in its piety and surmounted by a figure of St. Christopher

good condition, impressive size with charming details
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This flagon is based on the Goslar Flagon, one of the most famous pieces of German late medieval silver.  It is now the pride of Goslar Town Museum, a former silver-mining town in lower Saxony.  It was well known and published in the 19th century, fitting into both historicist taste and the rising German nationalistic movement.

The original Goslar Flagon shows St. George under the gothic canopy and a finial of a bird on orb instead of the pelican and St. Christopher, seen here.  This reproduction, though, is even larger than the original, and shows the desire of Hanau smiths to improve upon the historical pieces they copied.  For the original, see Carl Hernmarck, The Art of the European Silversmith, p. 91, plate 248, and Heinrich Kohlhaussen, Nurnberger Goldschmiedekunst des Mittelalters und der Durerzeit 1240 bis 1540, p. 304-307.