Lot 342: A SET OF THIRTY GERMAN RELIEF-IMPRESSED AND TURNED FRUITWOOD GAMES COUNTERS

A SET OF THIRTY GERMAN RELIEF-IMPRESSED AND TURNED FRUITWOOD GAMES COUNTERS
WORKSHOP OF MARTIN BRUNNER (1659-1725), NÜRNBERG, LATE 17TH EARLY 18TH CENTURY
Depicting scenes on both sides, including: protrait profiles of monarchs, generals, commemorative battle trophies, religious scenes and humourous ancedotes, many signed with the monogram MB
2 1/8 in. (5.5 cm.) diameter (30)

For similar games counters see Spielwelten der Kunts -- Kuntskammerspiel, Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien, Exhibition Catalogue 1998, page 189
Georg Himmelheber, Spiele - Gesellschaftsspiele aus einem Jahrtausend, Deutscher Kunstverlag, 1972
The technique employed to create these counters is comparable to the methods used in die-casting bronze medals. Firstly the turned wood was soften by steam, then scenes and subjects were impressed with metal dies. Their work was promoted by a catalgoue of medals issued by the Nuremberg silversmith and coin dealer, Freiderick Kleinert in collaboration with Caspar Lauffer, the master of the Nuremberg mint.