Silver tankard
The status symbol of the Swedish Baroque: a heavy silver tankard on ball feet, often with inset coins or engraved arms.
The tankard was one of the most common objects in 17th- and early 18th-century silver. It was used at feasts and given as a present at weddings and anniversaries.
Silver was also a way of saving money: the tankard could be melted down when needed. Surviving ones therefore often show signs of repairs and changes of owner.
Materials: Silver, raised and cast, often gilt inside
Manufacture: The body was raised from a sheet; feet, thumbpiece and handle were cast and soldered on.
Three feet in the form of balls, pomegranates or couchant lions.
A thumbpiece on the lid so it can be opened with one hand.
Marks near the rim or under the base: town, maker and date letter.