Stamper waarvan de steel uit vier getordeerde ribben is opgebouwd 1537

This pewter stamper, with its twisted stem and decorative ends, was made by Albert Hachmann in the mid-16th century. While seemingly a simple tool, its existence speaks volumes about the social and economic structures of the time. The craftsmanship involved suggests a society with specialized labor and established trade networks, likely somewhere in Northern Europe. The use of pewter, a relatively affordable metal, implies a market reaching beyond the wealthiest echelons of society. Stampers like this were used in the making of molds, and the decoration on this one indicates an aspirational attitude among artisans and their customers. Did this object reinforce existing social hierarchies, with its display of craftsmanship and modest luxury? Or did it offer a means of social mobility through trade and skill? Understanding this stamper requires us to delve into the economic history of 16th-century Europe, exploring guild records, trade routes, and sumptuary laws to uncover the complex social meanings embedded within this object.