Beschreibung:

A German parcel-gilt silver wine taster, Wilhelm Michaelis, Wittenberg, circa 1630
shaped-oval form, with two handles, the sides with four lobes with snakeskin texturing, the centre embossed with fruit and flowers, the underside engraved RH and 1652height 5 9/16 in.; weight 3,8 oz.; 14.2 cm; 110 g.__________________________________________________________________________
Tasse à vin en argent et vermeil par Wilhelm Michaelis, Wittenberg, vers 1630
de forme ovale, à deux anses, le corps ciseelé de quatre lobes à décor de peau de serpent, le centre repoussé de fruits et de fleurs, gravé sous la base RH et 1652height 5 9/16 in.; weight 3,8 oz.; 14.2 cm; 110 g.Condition reportIn overall very good condition. Fully marked on the outside of the body. Rather unusual design. Rare town mark.
"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."ProvenanceM. Kiener, Zurich Sotheby's London, 4 December 2012, lot 239____________________________________________
M. Kiener, ZurichSotheby's Londres, 4 décembre 2012, lot 239LiteratureExh. Cat. Museum für Angewandte Kunst Frankfurt, 2011, no. 15ACatalogue noteThe goldsmith is recorded fulfilling an important order of silver-gilt gifts for a visiting delegation of Saxony princes and princesses in 1630 see: István Heller, Marienburg-Wittenberg, Weltkunst, 69. Jahrgang no. 8, August 1999, p. 1416. 
In 1618 Wilhelm Michaelis, a native of Busenwurth in Dithmarschen, became a citizen of Wittenberg and was admitted to the goldsmiths’ guild there two years later. Wittenberg city archives record that Michaelis was commissioned on a number of occasions to supply items, as when, in 1630 for the visit of several Saxon princes and princesses, he made a number of gilt items, including a drinking jug, a ship on wheels, two services and a bunch of grapes. Michaelis is also recorded as having given a chalice to the monastery of St. Barbara in 1632. He died in 1638.