Description of the Marksmen's Goblet for the Count of Meran

Austrian Monarchy.

Meran, 31 May. (Corresp.) I must describe to you the magnificent marksmen's goblet, with which hundreds of marksmen raised a cheer to the most serene donor of the prizes. To provide a clear picture, we must describe the two parts, the base and the ibex horn, separately.

The base of the marksmen's goblet.

A thick grapevine rises from the ground, a trunk without branches up to the top, where it shoots forth 3 vine shoots on each of 2 sides, which, beautifully leafed and brimming with grapes, entwine and bear aloft the ibex horn. This grapevine is surrounded by an enclosure of 8 bars, which are spaced further apart at equal intervals at the bottom and narrow upwards in such a way that the hand can comfortably grasp the base. The 8 intermediate spaces or facets are filled with openwork foliage and vine tendrils. Fine foliage ornamentation adorns the spot where the ibex horn rests upon the grapevine. This octagonal enclosure, narrowed at the top, widens at the bottom to a diameter of 7 inches; it stands on a plinth of 9 inches in diameter, with 8 notches along the rim that correspond to the octagonal enclosure. Engraved in the cove of this plinth are the words: A sure rifle. - A keen eye. - A steady arm. - Fresh courage. -

Above each of these 4 mottos there is a shield on the lower, wider surfaces of the enclosure. The shield on the front bears the inscription: "Schützenbecher von J. E. v. Oe." The shield on the reverse bears the inscription: 18. Mai 1851.

The shield on the right side bears the coat of arms of the Count of Meran, and that on the left side the red Tyrolean eagle. A surface between every 2 shields remains empty.

At the point where the ibex horn rests, a shield with the Tyrolean colours is attached to the enclosure on the front side. The base, made entirely of silver, is approximately 11 inches high.

Ibex horn.

It is about 23 inches long, gracefully curved, entirely black, and somewhat knotty on the surface. It sits upon the base at its upper section, thus acquiring a fine, proud posture.

The tip of the horn bears a small cap 2 inches wide. The interior of the horn is gilded.

The opening is three to four inches in diameter and is encased in a 1 ½-inch wide silver mount, on which the following words are engraved: The marksman of Tyrol is always ready, equally for the peaceful, joyful shooting match as for the earnest struggle for prince and fatherland. One inch lower, a wreath of vine leaves and grapes is wound around the horn. A crown-like silver lid closes the opening of the horn. On the pinnacle of the lid stands a Tyrolean marksman, watching as if from a lookout tower.