SOLD – German Enamelled Glass Flask c1750

Description

A German or Bohemian enamelled flask from the second half of the 18th century. It depicts a gentleman in period dress carrying a sword.  Snapped pontil on the base and a pewter cap with the screw top missing ( as always) but it may be corked and used. These are generically called Schnapps flasks but clearly this must have been intended for wine. we live and we learn. See below

We all know the names. Beilby. Edkins and Giles and are familiar with their work but in Britain we were latecomers to the art of enamelling. The Venetians had “jewelled” glass form the 16th century and possibly earlier. We know of Bohemian glass with polychrome enamelling from the late 17th and first few decades of the 18th. “Schwartzlot” glass with very detailed fine line imagery and enamel can be simply stunning and pre-dates any English enamel by half a century and more.

The words “Ciante wein muß gesoffen seyn” have been enamelled. We originally thoughts that this translated as Chianti wine must be released or must flow and have now been corrected.

Many thanks to Matthias for the following email:

Hello Alex.
The text on your german enammeled bottle reads: “Ciante wein muß gesoffen seyn”.
that translates into Chianti wine needs to be drunken (in fact colloquial as …
needs to be guzzled. boozed. quaffed or swigged)
Matthias

Generally clean and clear with some minor residue as shown. No chips or cracks it measures 5 ½ inches tall.

References :

Starting to Collect Antique Glass By John Sandon – Page 23.

Miller’s Glass Buyers Guide – Page 65.