A German Silver Wager or Marriage Cup

A fine example of German marriage cup, this was made in circa1880-1910 and bears the Dutch control mark applied to imported silvers. The female figure in a beautiful crinoline dress holds a decorative swivel cupabove the head.     

The marriage cup originated in Nuremberg, a city in the Germanstate of Bavaria, around 1565, and was called “Jungfraubecher”. It is a double drinking vessel used in a wedding banquet, a skirt shaped large cup is for the groom and a small swivel cup is for the bride. The idea is to drink contents at the same time, making sure not to spill even a drop. The production of cups in this form was resumed for wager use at the end of 19th century. 

Weighing 130g and measuring 17cm (7 inches) in height approximately, this is of good quality.