A parcel-gilt silver tankard, maker's mark EH a pellet above and below, probably North German, circa 1660

The cylindrical body fitted with a sleeve embossed and chased in high relief with an abduction, including tritons mermaids and a dolphin, auricular caryatid handle and similar ornament at the thumbpiece, hinged cover and domed foot, openwork finial on a detachable leafy disc, detachable liner at the cover, maker's mark only on foot, the underside with scratchweight  80

Presented by the States of Lubeck to Sir William Morice of Warrington (1602-1676)

Thence by descent to Lt. Col., Sir Arscott Molesworth-St Aubyn, Bt.

Partridge Fine Arts

Although there is slight wear to the highlights of the gilding, the overall condition of this tankard is good, the chasing of the barrel and its surface finish is also very good, the maker's mark is excellent.
"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."

Sir William Morice appointed at the restoration of Charles II in 1660 was the first Secretary of State for the Northern Department. His responsibilities included Northern England, Scotland and England's relations with the protestant states of Northern Europe. The restoration in 1660 gave an opportunity for the Hanseatic league including Lubeck, Bremen and Hamburg to petition the new king for the continuity of their mutually beneficial trading privileges. As was normal at that time gifts to the kings representative were part of the negotiations. The States of Lubeck, principal member of the Hanseatic League, the Baltic trading group, gave Sir William another gift at the same time. This silver dish made by the Hamburg goldsmith Hans Lamrecht III is now in the Kunstgewerbe museum Hamburg. The goldsmith EH whose mark is on the present tankard is unidentified. By the style of the object he could equally be a Hamburg goldsmith, although Erich Schliemann who wrote the definitive work on Hamburg goldsmiths and who owned a beaker by this maker commented in 1994 on the possible origin `North but not north of the Elbe' (private correspondence)