UTRECHT, 1637, UNIDENTIFIED MAKER'S MARK (QUARTERED SHIELD)

Details

A fine and rare Dutch silver beaker shaped as a 'Berkemeijer'
Utrecht, 1637, unidentified maker's mark (quartered shield)
Trumpet-shaped, on flat and reeded footrim, the lower part with graduated embossed ovals each in scroll strapwork medallion, the base inscribed: Hertger Rensen, the spreading upper part with engraved insects, foliage and strapwork, engraved with a coat-of-arms flanked by the initial H and R, marked on base
9 cm. high
104 gr.

Special notice

On occasion, Christie's has a direct financial interest in lots consigned for sale which may include guaranteeing a minimum price or making an advance to the consignor that is secured solely by consigned property. This is such a lot. This indicates both in cases where Christie's holds the financial interest on its own, and in cases where Christie's has financed all or a part of such interest through a third party. Such third parties generally benefit financially if a guaranteed lot is sold successfully and may incur a loss if the sale is not successful. Christie’s charges a premium to the buyer on the Hammer Price of each lot sold at the following rates: 29.75% of the Hammer Price of each lot up to and including €5,000, plus 23.8% of the Hammer Price between €5,001 and €400,000, plus 14.28% of any amount in excess of €400,001. Buyer’s premium is calculated on the basis of each lot individually.

Lot Essay

Dutch beakers in the shape of glasses are extremely rare. J.W. Frederiks mentions two Dutch 'rummer' beakers, one also marked Utrecht with date-letter of 1614 and struck with a maker's mark, shield with two chevrons. This Utrecht silver 'Berkemeijer' seems to be the first recorded in the Netherlands. Cf. J.W. Frederiks, Dutch Silver, The Hague, 1958, 1960, Vol. II, p. 138, no. 406, pl. 186 and Vol. III, pp. 16, no. 46, pl. 33.

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