A Cobalt Decorated German Stoneware Tankard Found on the New Hampshire Seacoast

This is another object that I recently found in a shop located on the New Hampshire seacoast, although I know it is German in origin, however I am somewhat confused with when it was made. This cobalt decorated stoneware tankard was manufactured in a sixteenth or seventeenth century style, but the consensus seems to be that this is not a period piece, whereas I have heard it may date anywhere from the eighteenth century to around 1900. 

Interestingly, though the majority of the post-1840 or so stoneware that I have seen from Germany bears some sort of stamped information on the base, which can include the country of origin and/or some sort of number (which can also be inscribed). But that does not account for every piece that I have seen - and for what it is worth, this object is not marked on the base. 

Furthermore, this tankard is similar in form (and the same size) to a German stoneware tankard displayed as part of the Robert A. Ellison Jr. (1932-2021) Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City; the museum's tankard is impressed with similar marks on the handle as those that are on the tankard that I found in New Hampshire. Both tankards are also missing their original lids.

According to the MET, "German stoneware tankards were brought to America in large numbers on Dutch fur-trading ships. Sherds of these popular vessels have been uncovered at seventeenth century sites in New York and New England (among other locations)."

I have looked in other major American art museum collections, as well as The British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, along with other museums, including some in Germany, but I have not been able to find any other tankards exactly like these two examples. Any thoughts are more than welcome! Like I said, I'm really not sure when this object was made, but it would be great to hear if anyone can add some information, whether it be an eighteenth century object or something made during the 1800-1900 period.

Update: This has been accurately identified as a circa 1880-1900 tankard (schnelle) made in Germany.

Cobalt Decorated German Stoneware Tankard Found on the N.H. Seacoast

Late 19th Century Cobalt Decorated Stoneware German Schnelle

Made in Germany, Probably Westerwald

Recently Found in the New Hampshire Seacoast

Circa 1880-1900

Stands 8 1/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

German Stoneware Tankard Made in Germany, Probably Westerwald

Circa 1625-1640

Stands 8 1/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...