A German silver-gilt stacking 'Munzbecher', Hans Kellner, Nuremberg, 1592-94

the upper body applied with four casts after antique Roman coins between engraved foliate scrolls, lower body chased with lobes and strapwork, circular foot cast and chased in high relief with dancing putti in leafy scrolls, underside initialled 'L M L'

Associated Literature:
Timothy Schroder, The Gilbert Collection of Gold and Silver, Los Angeles, 1998, pp. 137-138.
Hannelore Muller, The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, European Silver, Sotheby's, London, 1986, pp. 172-173.
Karin Tebbe et al., Nurnberberger Goldschmiedkunst 1541-1868, Band I, Nuremberg, 2007, no. 422 (17) pp. 211-213

The marks clearly struck to underside. Slightly uneven on a flat surface. Engraving and chasing still crisp. a few scratches and nicks commensurate with age but overall condition good.
"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."

Three other examples of this beaker are known. Two were sold from the collection of Sydney J. Lamon, Christie's London, November 28, 1973, lots 65 and 66. These were subsequently acquired for the Thyssen-Bornemisza collection and added to an example which had been purchased by Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza before 1938. Like the present beaker, two of these are also initialled 'M'

The ornament on the beaker  is typical of Nuremberg work for the first half of the 16th century. This looking back to an older Germany, appears to have been favoured by Nuremberg Patrician families such as the Loffelhöltz. A Beaker in the Sir Arthur Gilbert collection, also by Hans Kellner, circa 1590 has the Loffelhöltz arms surrounded by similar etched ornament of the 1530's