A mid-17^th century Dutch silver beaker, Groningen 1641 by Arjen Muntinick II (active 1615-41?)

Of typical everted circular form upon a domed spreading circular foot, the lower section with an applied band of rope twist decoration. The base section with a die-rolled and of strapwork of intersected mascles and encircled rosettes. The upper section with three engraved oval cartouches of allegorical figures, one of Hope (Spes) with a female figure holding an anchor and bird, one of Faith (Fides) with a cross, and Love (Charitas) holding children. Each cartouche held within foliate scrolls, interspersed with bouquets of fruit suspended from the scrolls. Engraved below one bouquet with a masonic set square and compass with the initials F . E in Roman script next to it. Marked underneath with assay scrape (trembleersteek), date 2 over L, and maker’s mark AM in cypher.

Height – 12.1 cm / 4.75 inches

Weight – 138 grams / 4.44 ozt

A puntschotel by this maker of 1641-42 was sold Christie’s Amsterdam, 20 Nov 2012, lot 8 (€46,600 inc. premium)