18th‑Century Antique Faience / Tin-Glazed Earthenware Tankard – Lid Inlaid with a Medal of Louis XV

A striking 18th‑century faience tankard, richly decorated and fitted with a pewter lid inlaid with a portrait medal of Louis XV of France (reigned from 1715 to 1774). The medal bears the inscription:

LVD. XV. D.G. FR. ET. NAV. REX Ludovicus XV, Dei Gratia, Franciae et Navarrae Rex — “Louis XV, by the Grace of God, King of France and Navarre.”

Louis XV reigned from 1715 to 1774. This is likely a French medal or jeton (token) from his reign, inset into the lid of a German-made tankard. The classical Roman-style portrait with the laurel wreath was a common way to depict French monarchs in the 18th century, following the tradition of depicting kings in the manner of Roman emperors.

Tankards of this type were often produced in faience centres such as Ansbach, Schrezheim, and Bayreuth, where potters combined tin‑glazed earthenware with metal mounts to create luxurious drinking vessels.

The body is decorated in a traditional faience palette, with hand‑painted motifs, a figure in the chinoiserie manner, and a pleasingly shaped handle. The lid, with its inset royal medal, elevates the piece from a simple drinking vessel to a statement of loyalty, prestige, or commemoration — possibly produced to mark a royal event or distributed as a token of favour.

A rare and characterful survival of German decorative arts, combining ceramics, metalwork, and royal iconography in one highly collectable object.

Provenance: Germany. Mid-18th-century.

Condition: French faience with pewter‑mounted lid. Lid inlaid with a portrait medal of Louis XV. Hand‑painted decoration in tin glaze on an earthenware body. Age‑related wear and small blemishes. No structural issues. Photos show the actual item.

Dimensions: 

Height: 20 cm (7.8 inches)

Width: 12 cm (4.7 inches)

Depth: 10 cm (3.9 inches)