This exceptional antique German silver tankard has a plain tapering cylindrical form onto a circular shaped domed foot.

The surface of this antique tankard is embellished with impressive partial gilt chased scrolling decoration accented with central fruit and floral sprays in addition to undulating leaf designs, all on a matte background.

The upper rim of this lady"s tankard is encompassed with an applied moulded border.

This rare silver tankard retains the original domed cover encircled with further chased scrolling ornamentation, reflecting that of the body and features a cast figural thumbpiece.

The plain domed portion of the cover is surmounted with the original and impressive cast tiered finial.

The impressive cylindrical hinge is ornamented with further matte textures.

This antique German tankard is fitted with a cast silver C shaped handle ornamented with an impressive scrolling ornamentation; the design to the handpiece is incorporated into the plain thumbpiece.

The domed foot is encircled with a band of chased quatrefoil shaped motifs, flanked with bands of tooled decoration.

The exterior surface of the body and cover retains the original gilding; the interior has been re-gilt.

The hallmarks struck to the underside, surface and foot of this impressive antique silver tankard include:

Maker"s mark: David Eckrich

City mark: Augsburg, Germany

Control mark: 12.B (12 löthige/loth, .750 (750/1000)

Assay scrape: Zickzack line (Tremolierstrich)

Additional mark: NFRS (untraced)

Tankards of this size are highly desireable and rare to be found in such original, exceptional condition.

This rare silver tankard is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in original, exceptional condition.

The partial gilding has natural wear in keeping with age.

The German hallmarks struck to the underside, surface of the body and cover are all very clear.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this piece of 17th century silverware.

Length from back of handle to rim 13cm/5.1"

Width 9.7cm/3.8"

Height 13.8cm/5.4"

12.6 troy ounces/392g

Date: Circa 1610

Origin: Augsburg, Germany

Maker: David Eckrich