Equestrian-themed silver tankard with German imperial association, ca 1875. Straight and paneled sides with low-relief frieze depicting galloping riders, racing through the countryside, trees and buildings in the background; branch borders. Split-mounted s-scroll handle with thumb rest. At bottom applied branch and leaf border and open supports. Cover hinged and bellied with imbricated leaf rim; on top is cast finial in form of mounted jockey and engraved phrase citing Kaiser Wilhelm I in an allusion to an officer’s race in Meresburg, a town in south-western Germany: “Kaiser Wilhelm dem Sieger in dem Offizier-Rennen zu Meresburg am 2 Juni 1878”.

The date inspires speculation because on June 2, 1878, Wilhelm was in Berlin, getting shot at for the second time in a month. On this occasion, Wilhelm was seriously wounded. A medal was issued commemorating the failed assassination attempt. A similar sentiment possibly inspired the tankard’s inscription. Kaiser Wilhelm was the first to rule over a united Germany, which was achieved through foreign minister Bismarck’s policies. Wilhelm belonged to a long line of military expansionists. He was born in 1797, 11 years after the death of his great-great uncle Frederick the Great. His grandson was Wilhelm II, whose belligerence contributed to the outbreak of World War I.

The tankard appears to be unmarked. Probably Austrian. Excellent condition.

Overall dimensions: H 13 3/4 x W 8 1/2 x D 7 in. Heavy weight: 63.4 troy ounces. #BX657