Beaker with lid, Germany, early 18th century

A silver gilt beaker with cover, the bowl and lid are chased with arabesque strapwork and inset with two-thirds thaler and one-sixth thaler coins. It is a typical German style and the large medal beneath the finial is of Frederick William Margrave of Brandenburg (1640-1688) and the one set into the foot is of Frederick III, elector of Brunswick and Duke of Magdeburg, dated 1692. The Hebrew presentation inscription, possibly added later, reads: 'A gift from the cities of the Kurmark (Brandenburg|) to the Av beth Din and Head of Academy of Berlin and the provinces, to the illustrious Zvi Hirsch (May His Light Shine) in the year 5533'. The recipient, Hirschel Levin, Chief Rabbi of Berlin, was previously Chief Rabbi of England from 1757-1764, and then known as Lion Hart. The beaker was presumably brought to England by his son, Solomon Hirschel, Chief Rabbi of England 1802-1842.