λ A large late 19th century German ivory and silver-gilt mounted tankard

λ A large late 19th century German ivory and silver-gilt mounted tankard, the hinged lid carved with the hero King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden on his horse, Streiff, the silver decorated with war trophies and a female and male mask, the body deeply carved in relief, depicting the death of King Gustavus Adolphus at the battle of Lützen, with a scroll figural handle and with a conforming base, with German silvermarks '800 crescent moon and castle' and with an indistinct maker's mark, 50.7cm high.

Provenance: From a distinguished naval family.

King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden (1594-1632) is regarded as the founder of Sweden as a great power, leading his country to military supremacy during the Thirty Years' War. He is regarded as one of the most famous military commanders of all time combining innovative use of weapons, excellent training and backed by an efficient government. His greatest victory was at the Battle of Breitenfield in 1631 however he was killed a year later at the Battle of Lützen which was one of the most important of the Thirty Years' War.