A relatively large size at 18in (39cm) high, it is decorated in relief with a New Testament frieze depicting the Four Evangelists and a central armorial with the lamb and flag of the Agnus Dei.
The pewter mounts were also the original. Specialist Jim Peake had been unable to find a comparable example and rarity was rewarded with a bid of £5000 (estimate £800-1200) at the auction on February 13.
A second Raeren jug was a better-known type – a Kurfurstenkrug or Electors’ jug dated 1602. The frieze of architectural arches is populated by titled half-length portraits of the seven-electors of Germany.
Smaller at 13in (32cm) and with a few minor condition issues (in addition to chips and a handle crack, the pewter mounts on this example were lacking), it took a more predictable £1200 against an estimate of £400-600.
Both jugs went back to Belgium.
