Title: Set of 4 Silver-Plated Schnapps Cups with Tray Featuring Brass Eagle and Swastika Embellishments

Title: Set of 4 Silver-Plated Schnapps Cups with Tray Featuring Brass Eagle and Swastika Embellishments

Description: An elegant yet evocative set hailing from a significant historical period, these schnapps cups and accompanying tray stand out with their detailed craftsmanship. Each of the four cups, standing at 2.75" high, is adorned with a straight-winged brass eagle clutching a swastika. The tray, measuring 7.75 inches in width, features a downward-facing winged eagle in brass. Both the cups and tray are silver-plated, offering a contrasting background to the brass eagle embellishments, capturing the aesthetics and values of the era.

Product Details:

• Set Components: 4 schnapps cups and 1 tray
• Origin: Likely Germany, given the symbolism
• Material: Silver-plated for the cups and tray; brass for the eagle embellishments
• Dimensions: Cups: 2.75" high; Tray: 7.75" wide
• Iconography: Straight-winged eagle with swastika on cups; down-winged eagle on tray
• Era: Likely WWII period, given the symbols
• Condition: Given its age, there may be signs of wear, tarnishing, or patina, consistent with vintage silver-plated items.

Brief History:

Schnapps Cups in German Tradition: Schnapps, a strong alcoholic drink akin to brandy, has been a part of German tradition for centuries. These cups would have been used in ceremonial or celebratory occasions, denoting both the ritual of drinking and the importance of the gathering.

The Eagle & Swastika: The eagle holding a swastika, often referred to as the 'Reichsadler', was a powerful and dominant symbol of Nazi Germany. It was used extensively across various artifacts, from official documents to decorative items, embodying the might and reach of the Nazi regime. The swastika, though ancient in origin, is now primarily associated with the hate, oppression, and anti-Semitism of the Nazi era.

This set of schnapps cups and tray serves as a tangible connection to a contentious period in history. Beyond their aesthetic and functional value, they are poignant reminders of the broader cultural and ideological underpinnings of their time. Such artifacts should be handled with respect and understanding of their historical context.