A FRENCH PARCEL-GILT SILVER BENFELD CORPORATION BEAKER

In the second half of the 17th century, and through to the middle of the 18th century, Strasbourg was the centre for the production in the Alsace region of Ratsbechers, or Corporation beakers, such as the present example. They were made, reviving an earlier custom, with the intention of being given to new members of the City Council. Examples exist from many towns in the region, most which were presumably too small to have had their own working silversmiths.

At least two other Ratsbechers from Benfeld are known. One dated 1697 is in the collection of the Museum of Strasbourg and another dated 1693 was offered for sale at Sotheby's, Paris, 8 November 2012, lot 266.