A German silver-gilt cup and cover in the form of a bear, maker's mark only MV conjoined (the shield Melchior Bair), Augsburg, circa 1600

PROPERTY OF A DESCENDANT OF WILLIAM BECKFORD & THE DUKES OF HAMILTON
A German silver-gilt cup and cover in the form of a bear, maker's mark only MV conjoined (the shield Melchior Bair), Augsburg, circa 1600

on its haunches supporting a heraldic shield, with chained nose ring, beaded collar, the shield engraved with a Ducal coat-of-arms, the body, head and shield also with 1806-1810 Austrian control marks, the shield Melchior Bair, Augsburg, circa 1600
19cm., 7 1/2 in. high
594.7gr, 19oz. 2dwt.

Condition Report:
A crack in head towards right ear, 1 cm long. There is a split at the joint of head and plain rim, 2 cm. Split in upper part of body where it meets decorative collar, 0.5 cm. There is a small dent to body at the very base of animal below its tail. There is a dent to edge of shield, otherwise minor scratches and dents only. Generally in good condition, with excellent colour, good clear marks and light wear only to gilding at pressure points.

Provenance:
Probably acquired by William, 11th Duke of Hamilton (1811-1863)
His granddaughter, Lady Mary Louise (1884-1957), only child and principal heir of William Alexander Douglas-Hamilton, 12th Duke of Hamilton, who married in 1906 James Graham (1878-1954), Marquis of Graham who in 1925 succeeded his father as 6th Duke of Montrose;
Thence by descent.