Thick-Walled Beaker (Unzerbrechlicher Becher)

The inscription engraved around the rim explains the purpose of this glass: Trinck mich auss und wirff Nider. Hebb mich auff und vill mich wider Anno 1643. (Drink me dry and throw me down. Pick me up and fill me again. Year 1643.) This beaker is one of a group of so called Unzerbrechlichgläser (unbreakable glasses), all of which are engraved with variants of the same inscription. They were probably used for raucous toasting, where their thick foot and sides would protect them when they were slammed down on a table. Raspberry prunts, each with a central, molded star, decorate the vessel's body. One contemporary observer noted: "Now days one applies buttons, prunts and rings to glasses to make them sturdier. Thus they can be held more easily in the hands of drunken and clumsy people."