German Silver Coin Beaker & Cover, Salzburg Thaler, Sterling 925, 380g

A handsome German silver covered beaker (Münzbecher) in the Historismus taste, of slightly tapering form on four ball feet, with a domed pull-off cover. The body and lid are richly worked in repoussé with scrolling foliage and fruit swags framing applied silver coins. The principal coin reproduces a Salzburg thaler of Johann Ernst von Thun, Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg (reigned 1687–1709) — the legend reads IO·ERNEST·D·G· ARCHIEP·SAL· with the Madonna and Child above the Salzburg arms and the Marian motto SVB TVVM PRÆSIDIVM CONFVGIMVS ("Under your protection we take refuge"). Made in the antiquarian style associated with the Hanau silversmiths, circa 1900–1905. Sterling silver, imported into Britain and assayed at Birmingham: marks to the rim include ·925 (sterling fineness), the triangle-in-oval Birmingham import mark, the date letter "e" (1904/05), and the sponsor's mark "I.S / G".