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Antique German Silver Marriage (or Bridal) Cup - also called Wager Cup
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Reference: S1490
Period: Victorian
Year: Circa 1890
Silversmith: Richard Garten
Place: Dresden
Price: $ 540.00 Weight: 175 grams Dimensions: 18.3 cm height, 7.1 cm diameter Condition: Excellent.
Description: A lovely German silver traditional marriage or bridal cup, in 800 silver, in the form of a lady in 17th century costume. The lady has a tight bodice, and wear a traditional hat. Her outstretched arms hold a foliate openwork support from which the small swivel cup is suspended. Her wide long skirt forms the bottom cup, the decoration is very fine, this is a truly lovely example. These cups originated in Nuremberg in the 17th century, they were called "Jungfraubecher" and were used in wedding banquets, where the spouse drinks from the bigger cup, the bride drinks from the smaller cup simultaneously, with the aim of not spilling a drop. The cups were also popular at the end of the 19th century, when they were used for wagers as well as weddings, hence the name wager cup. Richard Garten was active in Dresden between 1860 and 1905, he specialized in commemorative pieces and antique reproductions. His work is always very good quality, this piece is no exception. The hallmarks include the moon and crown (Germany post 1886), 800 purity mark and makers mark tree inside diamond, for Richard Garten, the hallmarks are clear.
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Antique silver marriage cup - wager cup
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Silver bridal cup
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Wager cup detail
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gilt interior
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Marriage cup - scale
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Richard Garten - hallmarks
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Back of silver wager cup
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Detail of back
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