Description

A rare piece of early German silver. This charming little 17th century silver taster has scalloped borders and shaped side handles. The centre is embossed with a single flower stem surrounded by simple leaf motifs picked out with prick dot chasing. Traces of the original gilt finish,

Weight 41 grams, 1.3 troy ounces.
Width across handles 11.5 cm. Height 2.7 cm. Top 10.4 x 9.8 cm.
German silver hallmarks stamped around the edge for Nurnberg circa 1660.
Maker Reinhold Ruhl, noted for his fine quality cups and beakers.

Literature: The saucer shaped taster was already in use as early as the 14th century BC in Minoan Crete and has been essential in the production of wine right through to the present time. It is used by the sommelier to determine a wine’s quality by assessing the color, clarity, bouquet and taste. The majority of wine tasters in existence are French. The owners often engraved their name on the taster whose single flat handle often accommodated a neck cord. Very few English wine tasters were made because wine was not a national product however a number were produced during a short period in the second half of the 17th century. These English examples are rare and anything after this date is even rarer. The early English examples were in the shape of a flat bowl, often with simple wire handles (these often have original rough soldering which can appear “blobby”).

This early continental silver taster is in good condition. Excellent patina. The embossed decoration has plenty of definition. Possible repairs to the side handles.

Maker: Reinhold Ruhl

Reinhold Ruhl, German silversmith. Working in Nurnburg circa 1660. Noted for his fine quality cups and beakers.

Customer satisfaction is our primary concern

All silverware on our website is checked thoroughly prior to offering it for sale and every product listing contains a condition report and details of the silver hallmarks.

All items offered on our website include:

• Free Shipping Worldwide
• Tracked and Insured
• 14 day no quibble money back guarantee
• We are accredited members of LAPADA and conform to their strict professional standards
• We dispatch 1-3 days after receiving cleared payments

More detailed information about deliveries, returns and how to pay is available in the Help section at the bottom of this page.