Post-medieval Lead Quack’s little pot / Orvietan cup - Rare post-medieval quack salve pot / Orvietan pot - 2.8 cm
03
days
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hours
37
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Current bid
€ 25
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 230 - € 280
 | €25 | |
|---|---|---|
| €22 | |
| €19 | |
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Rare post‑medieval quack salve pot, also known as an orvietan cup, dating to the 16th–17th century, cast in lead, measuring 2.8 × 2.7 cm and weighing 49.01 g, authentic original, acquired in 2026 from a private collection in the Netherlands (previous owner since 1971, Netherlands), condition intact and not conserved.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
This is a quackery jar (also known as an ointment pot or Orvietan cup). These jars date from the 16th and 17th centuries. They were cast from lead or tin and served as containers for miracle remedies and medicinal ointments.
Size: 2.8 x 2.7 cm ( diameter )
Weight: 49.01 grams
Condition: intact - not conserved
On this jar there is a relief inscription, which often referred to the famous fake medicine "Orvietan". Quacks and traveling merchants sold these jars at markets and fairs to the public as a miracle remedy against poison, ailments and diseases.
Shipping method: this lot will be excellently packaged and shipped via DHL or UPS through Catawiki's Smart Shipping
This is a quackery jar (also known as an ointment pot or Orvietan cup). These jars date from the 16th and 17th centuries. They were cast from lead or tin and served as containers for miracle remedies and medicinal ointments.
Size: 2.8 x 2.7 cm ( diameter )
Weight: 49.01 grams
Condition: intact - not conserved
On this jar there is a relief inscription, which often referred to the famous fake medicine "Orvietan". Quacks and traveling merchants sold these jars at markets and fairs to the public as a miracle remedy against poison, ailments and diseases.
Shipping method: this lot will be excellently packaged and shipped via DHL or UPS through Catawiki's Smart Shipping
Details
Culture
Post-medieval
Century/timeframe
16e / 17e eeuw
Name of object
Quack’s little pot / Orvietan cup - Rare post-medieval quack salve pot / Orvietan pot
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
See attached photos / description (condition)
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
2.8 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1971
Width
2.7 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
