Switzerland, Canton of Graubünden
2nd half of the 16th century
Dimensions: H: 7,1 cm; D: 8,8 cm
The partially gilded silver beaker, made in Switzerland around 1580. The 7.1 cm high unmarked beaker is an exquisite piece of work in engraving with detailed engraved decoration. The glass consists of a short cast stem ring attached to a moulded base and a part of the glass sitting on it. The domed base is densely decorated with floral and vine motifs all around. The goat set in a wreath on the plain silver body of the glass is most probably the heraldic animal or a variation of it of the Swiss canton of Graubünden, and the crown above the animal may indicate rank in the case of a family coat of arms. The latter may be confirmed by the initials M.S.M. below. Furthermore, the gilded rim is decorated with medallions depicting portraits of three men, surrounded by elaborate arabesque motifs. The inside of the glass is fully gilded.
