Of octagonal straight-sided form on domed base engraved with a band of slender interlaced scrolls and swags with bellflowers at angles, the body applied with molded rib and engraved with borders of foliate scrolls and later Russian inscription dated 1816, with tubular scroll handle with conforming engraved decoration and with heart-shaped terminal, the hinged double domed cover also with conforming decoration and tapering faceted thumbpiece, the top later engraved with Cyrillic cypher TA and princely crown, marked on underside with makers mark and town mark
12⁵⁄₈ in. (32.1 cm.) high
53 oz. 18 dwt. (1,676 gr.)
The later Russian inscription translates as, To our salutary chief from his grateful subordinates 30 August 1816.

With S.J. Phillips Ltd., London, by 1971.
Acquired from S.J. Phillips Ltd., London, 19 April 1976.

E. Schliemann, Die Goldschmiede Hamburgs, Hamburg, 1985, no. 234, p. 189 (the later engraved date incorrectly recorded as 1806).
T. Schroder, Renaissance and Baroque Silver, Mounted Porcelain and Ruby Glass from the Zilkha Collection, London, 2012, cat. no. 41, pp. 184-185.

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Lot Essay

The form of the present tankard is typical of those made in Hamburg during this period, and is similar to the Hansekanne, which was a tall drinking or serving vessel popular throughout the Hanseatic states in the early 17th century. Russia was an important trading partner for Hamburg merchants at this time, and the Kremlin is home to one of the largest collections of Hamburg silver in the world today, which may explain the early 19th century Russian inscription seen here.

Julius Tischer trained under Gregorius Lambrecht, one of the most successful 17th century silversmiths in Hamburg, before becoming a master in 1659. His most important surviving work is the welcome cup of the Hamburg brewers' guild, which stands 29¹⁄₈ in. high.