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Beaker and cover: MAR.M.61 & A-1912

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Alternative views

An image of Beaker and cover
Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Silversmith: Meyer, Nicolaus (Possibly)

Entities

Categories

Description

Silver, parcel-gilt; the large beaker embossed with flowers, the similarly decorated cover surmounted by a model of a pelican

Silver, parcel-gilt; the large beaker with sloping cylindrical sides, standing on a low, slightly domed foot mount. The sides of the beaker are embossed and chased with an all-over pattern of silver flowers and scrolling foliage on a gilt background. The low domed cover has a similarly decorated border round the slightly raised centre, where a silver model of a pelican holding a ring in its beak (and possibly vulning itself) is surrounded by a band of silver scrolls and leaves, representing a nest. The base is engraved with a Continental coat-of-arms and coronet.

Notes

History note: Not known before testator

Legal notes

C.B. Marlay Bequest

Measurements and weight

Weight: 987 g
Weight: 31 : 14 oz : dwt

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1912) by Marlay, Charles Brinsley

Dating

17th Century, Late
Production date: circa AD 1677

Note

Nicolaus Meyer was made Master in 1677.

The town mark 'D' is not in a distinct cartouche. It probably represents Dresden, but could also be for Dessau, in which case Nicolaus Meyer would not be the maker of the beaker.

School or Style

Baroque

Components of the work

Surface composed of gold
Rim Diameter 14.8 cm Diameter 5⅞ in
To Top Of Pelican Height 30.1 cm Height 11⅞ in
Decoration
Pelican

Materials used in production

Silver

Inscription or legends present

  • Text: D
  • Location: On the underside of the base
  • Method of creation: Struck
  • Type: Town mark
  • Text: NM
  • Location: On the underside of the base
  • Method of creation: Struck
  • Type: Maker's mark

References and bibliographic entries

Related exhibitions

Identification numbers

Accession number: MAR.M.61 & A-1912
Primary reference Number: 119312

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Wednesday 23 January 2019

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Applied Arts

Citation for print

This record can be cited in the Harvard Bibliographic style using the text below:

The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "Beaker and cover" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/119312 Accessed: 2025-12-06 13:37:38

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/119312 |title=Beaker and cover |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2025-12-06 13:37:38|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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