A LOUIS XIV SILVER-GILT BEAKER, MARK OF JOHANNES HERBST, STRASBOURG, DATED 1639

A LOUIS XIV SILVER-GILT BEAKER
MARK OF JOHANNES HERBST, STRASBOURG, DATED 1639
Tapering cylindrical, the sides with snakeskin decoration, engraved underneath with a coat-of-arms, marked underneath
3 ¾ in. (9.5 cm.) high
4 oz. 17 dwt. (151 gr.)
The arms are those of Marckolsheim.

Special Notice
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Pre-Lot Text
Strasbourg Corporation Beakers
In the second half of the 17th century, and through to the middle of the 18th century, Strasbourg was the centre for the production in the Alsace region of Ratsbechers, or Corporation beakers, such as the present example. They were made, reviving an earlier custom, with the intention of being given to new members of the City Council. Examples exist from many towns in the region, most which were presumably too small to have had their own working silversmiths.