German Aquamanile

Good day to all. Recently revisiting antiquers board and sorry I have been away. I really enjoy the knowledge I have received and the humor as well. This is without a doubt the best place, imho.

I aquired this Aquamanile from a friend who enjoys picking, for less than a meal at McDonald’s. We were both pretty sure it to be a reproduction. But several questions popped up regarding this item that I am hoping someone can clear up for me. Just type into goolge “DEVS et LVMEN”-“God and Light” and you will see a bunch pop up for sale. Many asking a lot of money basing it as up to four hundred or so years old. Most looking no more then 30 years old reproductions. They can ask what they want but I dont see any actually sold so blah blah blah.

But here is were I need help. The last image I Posted is from the Met, in New York city. It clearly states 19th century in three different locations but also states the signature date to be 1614. Does the Met, display reproductions? Are there no actual items in someone’s possession that coincides with a date on the item? Is the roman numeral actually depicting a date or something else? And one other thing about the piece I have, in the word “LVMEN” my item is clearly “LVME N” and I can not find this error on all the other ones online.

Probably just over thinking this, but as always, I respect and appreciate opinions out here.

Thank you all
PS, Happy 4th of July, America

 

I love it, mmarco. It could have been made in Germany, but norhern Belgium or southern Netherlands are just as likely.
Yours has a different patina to the Medieval aquamanile. It has a lovely patina consistent with the 19th century, not with the Middle Ages. The file marks are not seen on Medieval pieces either.
In this video are some Medieval aquamanile:
https://www.christies.com/features/Medieval-Aquamanilia-and-Metalwork-8739-3.aspx

Yours is 19th century Medieval Revival, which was big in this part of the world in the second half of the 19th century. A famous and more international branch of Medieval Revival is Gothic Revival.
In this case it could be called Mosan Revival (my term), after Mosan art.
Mosan art developed ca 1100-1300 along the river Meuse (Mosa in Latin) in the Low Countries, but parts of present-day Germany were greatly influenced by Mosan culture.

I am sure it does if it is part of a legitimate style, like Medieval Revival. The aquamanile they have is a true antique, just not from the Middle Ages. Revival pieces are generally not exact replicas, they usually have small differences from Medieval pieces. Although some exact copies were made.

An example of the differences, southern Dutch Medieval Revival, a pair of bronze candlesticks which has been in my family (Mosan region) since the mid 19th century. The difference with similar Medieval candlesticks is the crown under the candle holders. In Medieval pieces it is plain.



The feet of the base have medieval shoes on them.
The one on the right has a wonky front leg. I have no idea what it has been up to, can't leave them out of your sight for a minute.

Even though yours is not Medieval, it is pretty rare. I have no idea if that is reflected in the value, but I expect it is more than a meal at McDonald’s.

 

Found one with estimate. If you log in you can see the sold price.
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/44555046_continental-bronze-aquamanile

 

Wow, and here I thought I might have over paid . Thought it to be newer and delightfully pleased. Thinking I owe my friend another hamburger and fries.

I love and respect all the information you provide and even expand my vocabulary “wonky” .

Thank you AJ, you are a blessing.

I actually bought two small items today. Hope to post them soon.