A 17th century German silver and silver-gilt cup and cover, by Gabriel Schmidt, Augsburg circa 1620

A 17th century German silver and silver-gilt cup and cover, by Gabriel Schmidt, Augsburg circa 1620 © 2002-2010 Bonhams 1793 Ltd

inverted pear form, embossed with fruit, leaves and scrolls on a matted ground, removable cover with central flower head finial, on a central stem with calyx and scroll mounts, knopped circular base with decorative border, height 21.5cm, weight 9.5oz. Sold for £15,600

Note: Gabriel Schmidt was born in 1577, made master in 1615 and died in 1643. A silver-gilt cup by the same maker is recorded in the Kremlin, inventory number 11657.

Literature: 'Die Kunst der Augsburger Goldschmeide 1529-1868', Band III, Helmut Selig, Verlag C.H. Beck, 1980 edition, page 150, entry 1296 and 'Der Goldschmiede Merkzeichen', Marc Rosenberg, Band I, page 85, entry 494.

Bonhams. Fine Silver, Gold boxes and Objects of Vertu, 3 Nov 2010 New Bond Street www.bonhams.com