Tall tapering Schnelle are the most characteristic of Siegburg wares from their finest period of production in the latter part of the 16th century. They are frequently decorated with crisply cut armorial bearings of European states and cities which testify to the widespread export trade at this period before the disastrous conflict of the Thirty Years War.

The date 1574 is that of the mould for the panels and was perhaps used for a few years after that date.

Condition – Chipping to rim and one shield, old crack in base of handle. No restoration.

Provenance – Ex. Collection Hermann Baer

Literature – A series of related armorial Schnelle from the British Museum are illustrated and discussed by David Gaimster in German Stoneware, 1200-1900, 1997, p. 181-184 and colour plate 7.

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