UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, Netherlandish
(active 1500-1525 in Northern Netherlands)

Ceremonial chain

1500-25
Parcel-gilt silver, length 80 cm
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Most of the secular silver objects that survived from the 15th and 16th centuries come from the guilds. Chief among that early ceremonial silver are the badges of office of the deans and officials - the guild chains and associated insignia. The chain shown in the picture was commissioned by the Calivermen's Guild of Amsterdam. (The caliver or arquebus was a firearm used in the 16th century.) The best marksman of the annual popinjay shoot was awarded by a silver popinjay hanging from a silver chain.