Six Hunting Goblets Made Of Solid Silver And Vermeil, Germany, Circa 1890–1910

Set of six solid silver hunting goblets
Germany, circa 1900

Set of six solid silver liqueur goblets, 800/1000, with gilded interiors, adorned with animal motifs evoking the hound hunt.

Tapered in shape, slightly flared toward the rim and resting on a flat base, they feature a finely matte-finished exterior. Against this matte background stands out a raised relief decoration, whose more lustrous details highlight the contours of the animals, foliage, and accessories.

Each goblet features a different composition:

• The wild boar, depicted in profile, with its mouth open to reveal its tusks. Its head, with meticulously detailed fur, is surrounded by a hunting horn, oak branches, weapons, and a mesh game bag.
• The roebuck, or male deer, recognizable by its short, branched antlers. Its head stands out above oak branches bearing acorns, accompanied by a rifle and a game bag.
• The fox, depicted from the front, with its ears pricked up and its mouth slightly open. Its head is framed by the curve of a hunting horn, above foliage and a pair of stirrups.
• The hunting dog, with its muzzle raised, long drooping ears, and a collar around its neck. It is accompanied by a rifle positioned diagonally, a hunting knife, oak twigs, and a game bag.
• The black grouse, depicted in display, with its tail fanned out wide and its wings lowered. Perched on a conifer branch, it sits in front of a trophy display featuring hunting weapons and a game bag. The precise rendering of the feathers particularly brings this composition to life.
• The horse’s head, bridled and framed by a horseshoe, evokes the hunting horse and the world of hunting with hounds. Elements of horse tack complete this hunting-themed design.

The unity of form and finish lends coherence to this set, while the six wall sconces offer an equal number of variations on the theme of the hound hunt. The interior gilding lends a warm tone to these goblets, intended for serving liqueurs and brandies.

Hallmarks: on the bases, “800” fineness mark, German crescent and crown, accompanied by a figurative hallmark; the “Déposé” mark is also visible.

Height: 4.5 cm.
Total weight: approximately 131 g.