A GERMAN PARCEL-GILT SILVER TARGET SHOOTING PRIZE

DRESDEN, DATED 1537, UNMARKED

Details

A GERMAN PARCEL-GILT SILVER TARGET SHOOTING PRIZE
Dresden, dated 1537, unmarked
Formed as a large shaped circular pendant medallion suspending two smaller openwork medallions, the moulded border with applied foliage and inner laurel wreath centering on a cherub's mask with suspension ring above, the centre repouss and chased with a huntsman with raised matchlock rifle amongst scrolling flowers and foliage, standing beside an escutcheon of arms of Dresden held by a putto, the backplate engraved with inscription within scrolling foliage incorporating two figures supporting a target above and a standing putto below, the smaller pendant shields each formed as a foliage and berried wreath enclosing an escutcheon, engraved with instruments emblematic of the building trade, one further engraved with initals BK, coat-of-arms and date 1541, the reverse with inscription and date 1540, the other with initials HR, coat-of-arms and date 1563, the reverse with date 1562, within engraved wreath
Width of central medallion 5.1/8 in. (13 cm.)
Width of smaller medallions 2.1/8 in. (5.2 cm.)
Overall height 7 in. (19 cm.)
10 ozs. (328 gr.)

Provenance

Rothschild inv. no. AR2790.

Lot Essay

The inscription on the reverse of the central medallion reads in translation:
"With knowledge and intent of an honorable advisor and the Common Brotherhood of Marksmen at Dresden Wolfgang Sprung and Melchior Dorst had this object made 1537"

The inscription on the reverse of the smaller medallion dated 1541 reads in translation:
"...in the year 1540 was the King..."

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