Items Similar to Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 21
Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece
About the Item
A magnificent, fine and impressive, large and rare antique George V sterling silver nef / centrepiece; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection.
This magnificent, fine and impressive antique sterling silver nef* has been realistically modelled in the form of a ship.
The surface of the vessel is ornamented with impressive embossed and chased decoration replicating the details of the ship's wood texture.
The anterior surface of the ship features details replicating an antique dolphin/mystical fish design, incorporated into the bowsprit and hinged rudder.
This double masted ship retains the original hallmarked sails and jibs, conjoined with exceptional rope twist strands and ladders.
Each main sail is ornamented with exceptional engraved coats of arms.
The masts are further embellished with circular crow's nests, each accented with pierced decoration, with cast sterling silver figures climbing the nets.
The deck of the ship is accented with further cast silver figures, bearing operational stances.
The side of the ship bears the original hallmarked cast and applied anchor, conjoined to the ship via a rope twist design.
Either side of the ship is ornamented with an embossed and chased decorated panel.
One side bears a Goddess riding a leopard style creature surrounded by ancient dolphins with putto in the sky, and the other depicts a God holding arrows amidst a small vessel with further putto playing musical instruments; it can be determined that such a frieze of figures relates to a mythological event or folklore.
The upper portion of this exceptional nef detaches, allowing access to the original gilded hull; this versatile vessel could be used as a bottle holder or be used to conceal items.
The silver nef is supported by four impressive cast, functional wheels ornamented with rosette decorated spokes.
This magnificent nef retains the original partial gilding; this has diminished with age in a sympathetic fashion to an aesthetically pleasing mellow colour.
The hallmarks struck to this exceptional antique silver nef include:
Maker's mark: n (Ludwig Neresheimer & Co. Hanau, Germany)
Importer's mark: BHM (Berthold Hermann Muller)
Import assay mark: London
Silver quality/purity mark: 925 (sterling standard, 925/1000)
Date mark: h (1923)
Such magnificent and large examples of sterling silver nefs, in such an exceptional condition, are becoming increasingly difficult to locate and rare to the market.
* A nef is a dining table ornament typically used within western Europe, modelled in the form of a ship; the word nef derives from the French word used in the late 17th century for an ocean sailing ship. Ancient examples were used for drinking vessels and evolved to hold dining implements in the hollow hull - including cutlery, napkins and spices; upon grander events the hull could be utilised to hold wine and special condiments. The functional wheels of the nef allow the piece to be passed around the table, enabling guests to be severed in a more elaborate manner. Through time the functional nef lost favour, becoming a more substantial and imposing centrepiece than a part of the dining experience.
Condition
This silver nef is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.
The cast, chased and embossed decoration is all very crisp.
The full hallmarks struck to the body of the vessel and deck of the ship, in addition to part hallmarks to each component, as to be expected, are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver.
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of antique silver.
Dimensions
Length 52.7cm/20.7"
Width 17.2cm/6.8"
Height 72cm/28.3"
Weight
98.3 troy ounces/3057g
Date: 1923
Origin: London Import Hallmarks
Maker: Ludwig Neresheimer.
- Creator:Ludwig Neresheimer (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 28.3 in (71.89 cm)Width: 6.8 in (17.28 cm)Depth: 20.7 in (52.58 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1920
- Condition:Please see main description.
- Seller Location:Jesmond, GB
- Reference Number:
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
These expertly vetted sellers are 1stDibs' most experienced sellers and are rated highest by our customers.
Established in 1977
1stDibs seller since 2015
659 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 13 hours
Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Jesmond, United Kingdom
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
More From This SellerView All
- 1900s French Silver Nef / CentrepieceLocated in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneThis exceptional, fine and impressive antique French silver nef* has been realistically modelled in the form of a ship. The surface of the vessel is o...Category
Antique Early 1900s French Centerpieces
MaterialsSilver
- Antique 1910 Sterling Silver Epergne / CentrepieceBy Fattorini & Sons 1Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneA magnificent, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver epergne/centrepiece; an addition to our ornamental silverwa...Category
Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Centerpieces
MaterialsSilver
- Antique Sterling Silver Four Light Candelabrum CentrepieceBy Benjamin Smith IILocated in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneAn exceptional, fine and impressive antique George III English sterling silver four light candelabrum centrepiece; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This exceptional antique George III English sterling silver candelabrum has a circular rounded form. This antique silver...Category
Antique 19th Century English George III Candelabras
MaterialsSilver, Sterling Silver
- 1882 Sterling Silver Antique Victorian Tazzas CentrepieceBy Alexander CrichtonLocated in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneAn exceptional, fine and impressive, pair of antique Victorian English sterling silver tazzas/centrepieces; an addition to our continental silverware collection. This exceptional ...Category
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSilver, Sterling Silver
- Antique Victorian Sterling Silver and Glass Tazzas/CentrepiecesBy John Samuel HuntLocated in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneAn exceptional, fine and impressive, pair of antique Victorian English sterling silver and glass tazzas/centrepieces; an addition to our antique Victorian silverware collection. These exceptional antique Victorian glass tazzas / centrepieces, with sterling silver mounts, have a circular rounded form onto an ornamental pedestal and domed spreading foot. The surface of each decorative centrepiece features an impressive glass dish embellished with fine cut and acid etched foliate decoration. The centre of each vessel features a hallmarked sterling silver panel, ornamented with engraved decoration reflecting the design to the glass. Each antique glass dish...Category
Antique 1850s British Victorian Centerpieces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Vintage European Sterling Silver Hanukkiah CentrepieceLocated in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon TyneAn exceptional, fine and impressive vintage European sterling silver Hanukkiah; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This exceptional vintage sterling silver hanukkiah* has circular rounded capitals onto a baluster-shaped column and square shaped foot. This vintage candelabrum...Category
20th Century European Centerpieces
MaterialsSilver, Sterling Silver
You May Also Like
- Antique Sterling Silver Epergne / Centrepiece / Vase 1911Located in London, GBAn Antique solid Silver Epergne Centrepiece with a large oval central basket supporting a tall trumpet shaped vase on top of an impressive concave shaped stand. The central stand has...Category
Vintage 1910s English Centerpieces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- A Fine Sterling Silver Epergne CentrepieceBy Martin & HallLocated in London, GBThis unusual and elegant five-dish epergne, with hallmarks For Richard Martin and Ebenezer Hall would make a perfect centrepiece for the dining table for fruits or desserts, but equa...Category
Antique Early 1900s English Late Victorian Centerpieces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Neoclassical Revival Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Centrepiece Epergne, 1910By Elkington & Co.Located in London, LondonHallmarked in Birmingham in 1910 by Elkington & Co., this attractive, Antique Sterling Silver Épergne, is a fine reproduction of a George II period Neoclassical design example, featuring 4 removable round side dishes, and a larger oval basket...Category
Vintage 1910s English Neoclassical Revival Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Neoclassical Victorian Antique Sterling Silver Centrepiece or Epergne, 1892By Daniel & John WellbyLocated in London, LondonHallmarked in London in 1892 by D. & J. Wellby, this impressive, nine basket, Edwardian, Antique Sterling Silver Epergne, is a fine example of Adam style design, featuring pierced work throughout, neoclassical decoration, four round baskets, four oval baskets and a larger oval basket...Category
Antique 1890s English Adam Style Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Sterling Silver Victorian Footed Centrepiece BowlBy Whiting Manufacturing CompanyLocated in New York, NYSterling silver, Victorian, footed centerpiece bowl, Whiting Manufacturing Company, Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1880s-1890s. Measures 11 1/...Category
Antique 19th Century American Victorian Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Large Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Centrepiece Candelabrum by Barnards 1854By Edward Barnard & SonsLocated in London, LondonHallmarked in London in 1854 by Barnards, this stunning, Victorian, antique sterling silver Centrepiece, features a central glass bowl and 5 spaces for candles. The centrepiece is ri...Category
Antique 1850s English Baroque Sterling Silver
MaterialsSterling Silver