Coin mug

In the first half of the 16th century German goldsmiths introduced a new method of decorating silver vessels with embedded coins. For the next three centuries goldsmith workshops in Germany, Austria and Poland made such decorated goblets, tankards, jugs, bowls and other costly objects ordered by wealthy clients. Dishes of this type were not used at the table; these valuable items were only to please the eyes, decorate and add splendour to the interiors of houses. They served as gifts for meritorious service to the state, trophies for winners in competitions, for example shooting contests, and were also welcome gifts for family celebrations. Handed down from generation to generation, displayed in special furniture, they became a reminder of the family history and at the same time a capital investment for hard times.

The mug is distinguished by an unusual form of the ear, which seems to indicate that the goldsmith expanded it to accommodate as many coins as possible. They were turned to the face with their reverse sides, which bear the coat of arms of Saxony - a running horse. Its silhouette thus becomes the main decorative motif. It bears the town's mark and the author's monogram, thanks to which it is known that its maker is Matthes Francke - a goldsmith working in Głogów, Silesia, in the years 1687-1701. There is no year of production, but the time frame can be established taking into account the dates minted on the coins and the goldsmith's life dates. The latest coin used was struck in 1687; the goldsmith died four years later.

Barbara Czajkowska