Used almost exclusively in German-speaking countries, they were fashionable between the early 16th and mid 17th centuries.
Many borrowed the allegorical designs of Virgil Solis (1516-64), one of Nuremberg’s most prolific printmakers and book illustrators.
The month of May is depicted on this example made c.1580 by Hans Erne, Strasbourg.
To the ‘lemon’ parcel-gilt band are scenes of courtship and merrymaking, blooms of lily of the valley (maiglöckchen or ‘little May bells’) and ‘twins’ amid clouds representing the astrological sign for Gemini. The engraved inscription translates as ‘the month of May brings magnificent flowers and makes fresh blooms young and old’.
Keenly contested
It was offered as part of Noonans’ (24% buyer’s premium) sale of Jewellery, Watches, Silver, and Objects of Vertu in Mayfair on November 28.
In excellent condition, it was keenly contested at the sale by both the trade and private bidders, ultimately selling to an overseas collector at £24,000 (estimate £2000-3000).