Augsburg, 1686–1709, Solid Silver Beer Mug, Ferdinand Schönefeld

Silver tankard with traces of gilding — Augsburg, late 17th century
Attributed to Ferdinand Schönfeld, master craftsman around 1686

Solid silver tankard with lid, showing traces of gilding, characteristic of late 17th-century German silverwork.

The cylindrical body, with smooth walls accented by engraved fillets, rests on a wide circular foot with concentric moldings. The hinged lid echoes this tiered composition: an overhanging border surrounds a domed section, topped by a circular plate outlined by fine engraved circles.

The curved handle ends at its lower end with a coil. It connects to a hinge fitted with a bifid thumb rest, whose two prongs flare outward. This design allows the lid to be lifted with one hand.

The understated decoration highlights the object’s proportions, the luster of its surfaces, and the craftsmanship of its moldings. Traces of gilding remain, particularly in the recesses of the base; the interior also retains a golden hue.

The lid and the underside of the tankard bear the Augsburg pine-cone hallmark, accompanied by a worn master’s mark attributable to Ferdinand Schönfeld. Born in 1651, the son of silversmith Friedrich Schönfeld, he became a master craftsman around 1686 and died in 1709. The underside also features a long scratch mark, evidence of the metal sample taken to test the silver’s fineness.

This mug belongs to the tradition of the Humpen, lidded vessels intended for drinking beer, with silver examples occupying a place of honor on the tables of the wealthy.

Hallmarks: Augsburg pine cone; master’s mark attributed to Ferdinand Schönfeld. Weight: 430 grams.
Period: late 17th century, circa 1690–1700.