while visiting the Art-fair TEFAF 2024 in Maastricht/Netherlands, I discovered and admired this example of a shooter bird.
Northern Germany 1598, silver gilded
Height 12 cm
Length: 19 cm
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Crafted as an award at the Kings shooting of the farming community of Westenfeld, the parrot is rooted in history.
As an award, for the sporting competitions that were already widespread in the 14th century, it had become fashionable from 1500 onwards to attach birds onto chains to honour the bird-shooting king after winning the competition several times.
Honour chains like these, also known as royal chains, along with plaques, medals, and coins hanging from them, were given as awards to particularly talented shooters.
As a reminder:
I already mentioned in my article Baltic Silver - Parrot shooting contest tradition (March 21, 2023) a shooter bird from the 16th century, which can be admired in Eesti Kunstimuuseum-Niguliste, Tallin.
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Source:
© 1. private photo + text in agreement with Chantal Smith, München
© 2. photo: home-page - Eesti Kunstimuuseum"
Enjoy these old silver birds!
Regards
Silverstone