The late 17th-century silver-gilt tankard presented here is a superb example. Made by the Winterthur silversmith Ludwig Forrer I, it features a finely modelled lion displaying the alliance arms of the prominent Hauser von Glarus and Sulzer families. The thumbpiece takes the form of a mermaid, while the handle is modelled as a herm figure. Even the embossed ‘snakeskin’ decoration covering the body was more than ornamental: its textured surface provided a secure grip at a time when eating with the hands was still common and, according to contemporary belief, was also thought to offer protection against certain poisons.

Another highlight is a parcel-gilt silver tankard from Königsberg, its body decorated with a remarkably detailed relief depicting the Queen of Sheba before King Solomon, challenging his wisdom with a series of riddles. Königsberg – today Kaliningrad – was an important centre of gold- and silversmithing. Among its celebrated treasures was the ‘Silver Library’ of Duke Albert of Prussia, whose volumes were bound in elaborately worked silver.