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THE PROPERTY OF A DUTCH FAMILY Every year the citizen soldiery organizes shooting-matches ("koningsschieten") for their members. During these contests a popinjay is attached to a pole. This popinjay needs to be shot from the pole with a hand/low-bow, cross-bow or gun. The person who succeeds is proclaimed as King. He chooses a Queen and gets a chain with attached distinguishing badges. The King has to tribute his own shield to the chain with his name, place and date of the contest. At the end of the chain ("koningsketen") a "koningsvogel" (a bird/parrot) is attached. The chain with everything attached remains the property of the citizen soldiery and buys the chain back for a symbolic amount. Sometimes the King receives an engraved beaker in return.

A Dutch silver "koningsvogel"

APPARENTLY UNMARKED, THE NETHERLANDS, 17TH CENTURY

Details

A Dutch silver "koningsvogel"
Apparently unmarked, The Netherlands, 17th century
Shaped as a parrot facing left, the bird with his paws on a branch, a chain attached to his neck and tail
8.5 cm. long
148 gr.

Special notice

Christie's charge a premium to the buyer on the final bid price of each lot sold at the following rates: 23.8% of the final bid price of each lot sold up to and including €150,000 and 14.28% of any amount in excess of €150,000. Buyers' premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.

Sale room notice

Please note that the bird is below Dutch legal silver alloy.

Lot Essay

Every year the citizen soldiery organizes shooting-matches ("koningsschieten") for their members. During these contests a popinjay is attached to a pole. This popinjay needs to be shot from the pole with a hand/low-bow, cross-bow or gun. The person who succeeds is proclaimed as King. He chooses a Queen and gets a chain with attached distinguishing badges. The King has to tribute his own shield to the chain with his name, place and date of the contest. At the end of the chain ("koningsketen") a "koningsvogel" (a bird/parrot) is attached. The chain with everything attached remains the property of the citizen soldiery and buys the chain back for a symbolic amount. Sometimes the King receives an engraved beaker in return.

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