A German parcel-gilt silver beaker, Eustachius Hohmann, Nuremberg, 1609/12

For the months of May-July, fitted with a band of war and peace scenes representing Gemini and Cancer, former represented by a peaceful dinner in the country and a game of skittles, the other by a burning castle and mounted warriors in combat above etched foliate pendants, the cast foot with images representing Aquarius, Pisces, Taurus, Gemini, Capricorn and Aries below stamped ovolo band

Professor Alfred Pringsheim (1850-1941)
Bayerisches Nationalmuseum until 1946
Returned to the Pringsheim heirs 1946
Rosenberg & Stiebel, New York from 1955
Sold Sothebys New York 22 April, 1998, lot 148

Austellung von Meisterwerken der Renaissance aus Privatbesitz, Munich, 1901, no. 344

Marc Rosenberg, Der Goldschmiede Merkzeichen, Frankfurt a.M., 1925, no. 4033(r)
Lorenz Seelig, Die Silbersammlung Alfred Pringsheim, Abegg-Stiftung, Riggisberg, footnote 32. Dr. Seelig records that the beaker was also exhibited at the Historische Austellung der Stadt, Nuremberg, 1906, no. 281

The beaker has previously been fully gilded but the main section body was originally just silver. The later added gilding has been removed to revert the piece back to its original form. The colour of the gilding on the decorative rim at the top is a bit bright. The condition of the ornament on this same part is very clear. The marks are good. There are very small spots or traces of enamel in the part of the body that was etched, the etching is somewhat worn. Good gauge.
"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."

An identical beaker by Eustachius Hohmann, one of a set of six representing all the months, was in the collection of Frédérik Spitzer see: La Collection Spitzer, Paris and London, 1891, no 25 p. 14 and illus. pl. VI. The scene with the game of skittles is incorporated into the stem of the Diana Pokale 1609/29, (Kunstgewerbemuseum, Berlin) by the Nuremberg goldsmith Hans Petzolt, and into the rim of a similar beaker by Gallus Wernlein of Nuremberg, sold The Rothschild collection of silver and silver-gilt, Sothebys, London, 26th April 1937, lot 214. Originally part of a set of six beakers, which had belonged to Mayer Carl Rothschild, two of the Wernlien examples are now in the Musée National de la Renaissance, Ecouen (ref. E.CL 20570a/b).  A set of six lead plaques representing half the series exist in German museums and a bronze example of February is in the Louvre, See: Ingrid Weber, Deutsche, Niederländische…., Renaissanceplaketten 1500-1650, Munich, 1975, no 307 and Karin Tebbe et al. Nürnburger Goldschmiedekunst, 1541-1868, Nuremberg 2007, no. 952/02