A large and very fine Norweigan Karelian Birch Imperial Tankard from the middle part of the 18th Century. The tankard is carved from Karelian Birch, which has a mottled appearance and is sometimes referred to as burl wood or burled wood tankard. It features a high domed lid with a carved rampant lion, a lion thumb lift and is raised on three figural lion form feet. The outside of the tankard, which is typically smooth in most examples is carved with a crown in the center surrounded by garland swags. All parts of the tankard are carved from wood, even the hinge, which has a floral medallion carved on either end. The capacity is approximately 2L. The tankard is over 250 years old.

Many of these tankards were used for weddings and other ceremonies, but this one is unusual with the carving of the crown on the front of the tankard. The patina is also fantastic. The tankard measures approximately 11” tall to the top of the thumb lift and the body is approximately 7” in diameter with the handle side having a width of approximately 9”.

The condition is excellent. However, there is an old repair at the bottom of the handle attachment with what appears to be a pewter plate. The tankard is sturdy and extremely attractive. Provenance - Twyssenden Manor, Goudhurst, Kent, England

This item includes FREE Shipping in the United States. All other areas would incur additional shipping charges.