GILT SILVER DOUBLE WEDDING CUP Germany, 1880.

Barrel form, each cup on flat base with gadrooned edge, narrow lower section, broader upper bowl, cast Baroque style shells, swirls and floral motifs and shields encompassing Hebrew inscriptions. On both, the base is embossed ; around the rim, a Hebrew inscription from Proverbs relating to the benefit of marriage, and the Hebrew date 26 Nissan, 1880; in the center, a depiction of a handshake within a tent, topped by a Star of David flanked by two crests. Cup A bears, In the shields above, “Wine gladdens” and “Groom... with bride.” Cup B bears,within the shields, “Blessed be the fruit of the vine.” On the inside of the base, on both cups, a Hebrew inscription from the wedding ceremony was engraved later. Unclear marks on rims. Total H: 170mm. The grapes and hearts ornamenting the shields may have been added later.

This is an unusually elaborate version of the double wedding cup, which was often of barrel form, with little ornamentation. For a similar pair, see Sotheby’s, New York, June 26 1985, lot 150.