Goblet of the Hammer Smiths' Guilds

Nearly 40 cm high, this tall goblet with a lid stands on a decorated base. The stem is formed by a person balancing the drinking vessel on his head. Despite the weight he has to balance, the figure’s pose is rather casual: one hand raised in greeting, the other holding a hammer. These goblets were filled with wine and passed around at guild meetings and on other festive occasions. The inscription around the edge of the lip reads: ‘Whoever is faithful to us in this guild, this cup also goes to him, whoever has forgotten his duty can no longer boast of this grace’. The figure with apron and hammer identifies it as a cup from the Hammer Smiths’ Guild. Two coats of arms can be found on the belly of the vessel, which is dated ‘ANNO 1708 the 19 June’ on the foot.