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Sterling Nef

Pair Large Matched Solid Silver Nefs / Model Ships Centrepieces c. 1930
Pair Large Matched Solid Silver Nefs / Model Ships Centrepieces c. 1930

Pair Large Matched Solid Silver Nefs / Model Ships Centrepieces c. 1930

By Adolph Barsach Davis

Located in London, GB

A magnificent pair of vintage Solid Silver Nefs / Model Sailing Ships. Modelled after the early

Category

20th Century Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece
Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece

Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece

$40,433

H 28.3 in W 6.8 in D 20.7 in

Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece

By Ludwig Neresheimer

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A magnificent, fine and impressive, large and rare antique George V sterling silver nef

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Centerpieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Very Large Antique Sterling Silver Ship Model - Hallmarked in 1925 - Silver Nef
Very Large Antique Sterling Silver Ship Model - Hallmarked in 1925 - Silver Nef

Very Large Antique Sterling Silver Ship Model - Hallmarked in 1925 - Silver Nef

By Thomas Callow & Son

Located in London, London

This superb example of a sterling silver Nef carries import marks for London, 1925 by Thomas Callow

Category

Vintage 1920s German Renaissance Revival Nautical Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

Recent Sales

Antique Silver Portuguese Nef Ship
Antique Silver Portuguese Nef Ship

Antique Silver Portuguese Nef Ship

Unavailable

H 27.56 in W 29.53 in D 7.49 in

Antique Silver Portuguese Nef Ship

Located in London, London

An incredible very large silver Nef ship, made in Portugal. Intricate detailing.  

Category

Vintage 1920s Portuguese Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Spanish Sterling Silver Nef
Spanish Sterling Silver Nef

Spanish Sterling Silver Nef

Unavailable

H 17 in W 5.5 in D 16 in

Spanish Sterling Silver Nef

Located in Vancouver, BC

A superb sterling silver model of a galleon, Spanish, circa 1930. Intricately detailed with three

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece, 1891
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece, 1891

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece, 1891

By Edwin Thompson Bryant

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive antique sterling silver nef / centrepiece; an addition to our

Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Spanish Silver Nef by Plateria Lopez
Spanish Silver Nef by Plateria Lopez

Spanish Silver Nef by Plateria Lopez

Located in New Orleans, LA

This monumental silver nef by Plateria López is a breathtaking example of Spanish silver. Immense

Category

20th Century Sterling Silver

1980s Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece
1980s Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece

1980s Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece

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H 9.8 in W 3.5 in D 10.8 in

1980s Sterling Silver Nef / Centrepiece

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

An exceptional, fine and impressive vintage sterling silver gilt nef / centrepiece; an addition to

Category

Vintage 1980s European Centerpieces

Materials

Silver

Large Antique Silver Nef Galleon
Large Antique Silver Nef Galleon

Large Antique Silver Nef Galleon

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H 33.25 in W 25.75 in D 8 in

Large Antique Silver Nef Galleon

By Berthold Muller

Located in London, GB

This hugely impressive sterling silver model ship, also known as a nef, was made in Germany by

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Centerpieces

Materials

Sterling Silver

Massive Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Boat / Ship 1909 Import Mark Galleon Neff
Massive Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Boat / Ship 1909 Import Mark Galleon Neff

Massive Antique Sterling Silver Nef / Boat / Ship 1909 Import Mark Galleon Neff

By Berthold Muller

Located in London, GB

A magnificent Antique solid Silver Nef made by German Silversmith Berthold Muller mirroring the

Category

Early 20th Century German Models and Miniatures

Materials

Silver

George V Antique Sterling Silver Nef by Berthold Muller
George V Antique Sterling Silver Nef by Berthold Muller

George V Antique Sterling Silver Nef by Berthold Muller

By Berthold Muller

Located in London, London

Hallmarked in London in 1911 by Berthold Muller, this charming, George V, antique, sterling silver

Category

Vintage 1910s English Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Spanish Silver Nef
Spanish Silver Nef

Spanish Silver Nef

Sold

H 16.15 in W 18.51 in D 5.12 in

Spanish Silver Nef

Located in Skanninge, SE

An unusual Spanish silver Nef. A nice centerpiece that will make a great statement! With silver

Category

Early 20th Century Spanish Spanish Colonial Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Very Large Nef - Warship in Battle - German Sterling Silver
Very Large Nef - Warship in Battle - German Sterling Silver

Very Large Nef - Warship in Battle - German Sterling Silver

Located in New York, NY

German sterling silver three-mast ship. Imported to Chester, England by Berthold Muller in 1903. A

Category

Antique Early 1900s German Sterling Silver

German Silver Nef
German Silver Nef

German Silver Nef

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H 26 in W 23 in D 6.25 in

German Silver Nef

By Berthold Muller

Located in London, GB

This wonderful silver nef, or centerpiece in the form of a galleon, is beautifully handmade with

Category

Early 20th Century German Edwardian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Large Silver Ship Model (Nef)
Large Silver Ship Model (Nef)

Large Silver Ship Model (Nef)

Sold

H 35 in W 36 in D 10 in

Large Silver Ship Model (Nef)

Located in Miami, FL

Large Silver Ship Model (Nef), in the form of a triple masted sailing ship, fully rigged and

Category

20th Century Spanish Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

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Grand 19th Century English Marine Painting in Stunning Light
Grand 19th Century English Marine Painting in Stunning Light

Grand 19th Century English Marine Painting in Stunning Light

By John Wilson Ewbank

Located in London, GB

John Wilson Ewbank (1799 - 1847) Shipping in the Harbour, South Shields Oil on canvas 39.5 x 58 inches unframed 47.75 x 66.5 inches framed Provenance: Christie's October 2002; L...

Category

19th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago
Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago

Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian) Morocco The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco. I att...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier African Natural Specimens

Materials

Bone

Macbeth and the Three Witches a Painting on Panel by Francesco Zuccarelli
Macbeth and the Three Witches a Painting on Panel by Francesco Zuccarelli

Macbeth and the Three Witches a Painting on Panel by Francesco Zuccarelli

By Francesco Zuccarelli

Located in PARIS, FR

This painting, created during Zuccarelli's stay in England, represents the decisive moment when Macbeth, together with Banquo, meets the three witches who announce that he will be Ki...

Category

1760s Old Masters Landscape Paintings

Materials

Oil, Wood Panel

Italian Sterling Silver Chess Board, Chess Game, Sodalite Marble
Italian Sterling Silver Chess Board, Chess Game, Sodalite Marble

Italian Sterling Silver Chess Board, Chess Game, Sodalite Marble

By Arval Argenti Valenza

Located in VALENZA, IT

Impressive sterling silver chess board medieval style chess set. The chess board, made by ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA, was made in white marble and sodalite is supported by a STERLING SIL...

Category

2010s Italian Medieval Games

Materials

Marble, Sterling Silver

Rare 19th Century Italian Memento Mori Bust / Sculpture Carrara Marble Vanitas
Rare 19th Century Italian Memento Mori Bust / Sculpture Carrara Marble Vanitas

Rare 19th Century Italian Memento Mori Bust / Sculpture Carrara Marble Vanitas

Located in Ijzendijke, NL

Masterfully carved Italian Vanitas / Memento Mori bust in solid marble from late 19th century. White Carrara marble skull combined with masterfully carved hood & robes all from one...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts

Materials

Carrara Marble

Set of 12 Minton Gold Rimmed Porcelain Ball Dinner Plates
Set of 12 Minton Gold Rimmed Porcelain Ball Dinner Plates

Set of 12 Minton Gold Rimmed Porcelain Ball Dinner Plates

By Minton

Located in Great Barrington, MA

One of Minton's most popular patterns is named "Porcelain Ball” which features a large diameter plate bordered by a gold and white floral decoration and trimmed with an acid etc...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Dinner Plates

Materials

Porcelain

Monumental Silvered and Gilt-Bronze Glass Centerpiece of "Poseidon"
Monumental Silvered and Gilt-Bronze Glass Centerpiece of "Poseidon"

Monumental Silvered and Gilt-Bronze Glass Centerpiece of "Poseidon"

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

A Monumental French Silvered and Gilt-Bronze and Glass Centerpiece of "Poseidon", Paris, circa 1895. A very good quality centerpiece depicting "Poseidon and his seahorses", of mon...

Category

Early 20th Century French Classical Greek Centerpieces

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Trade Sign Clothing Wood Double Sided Wooden Hudson Valley NY
19th Century Trade Sign Clothing Wood Double Sided Wooden Hudson Valley NY

19th Century Trade Sign Clothing Wood Double Sided Wooden Hudson Valley NY

Located in Newfoundland, PA

Take a look at this fantastic double sided early 19th or late 18th century wooden trade sign with original wrought Iron bracket. Came out of a Hudson Valley, N.Y. estate - "Clothing ...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Primitive Architectural Elements

Materials

Iron

Pair Of Large Antique Architectural Religious Stained Glass Windows
Pair Of Large Antique Architectural Religious Stained Glass Windows

Pair Of Large Antique Architectural Religious Stained Glass Windows

Located in Norwood, NJ

Fabulous quality turn of the 19th century pair of religious painted stained glass arched windows. Set in oak and bent wood frame. Beautifully depicting the teachings of Jesus. "Suffe...

Category

Antique Early 1900s English Windows

Materials

Stained Glass

Portrait of Lady Caroline Price
Portrait of Lady Caroline Price

Portrait of Lady Caroline Price

By George Romney

Located in Miami, FL

DESCRIPTION: Perhaps the best Romney in private hands. If Vogue Magazine existed in the late 18th century, this image of Lady Caroline Price would be on one of its covers. The e...

Category

1970s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil, Canvas

Fabergé Silver Service
Fabergé Silver Service

Fabergé Silver Service

$248,500 / set

H 10.25 in W 20.75 in D 16.38 in

Fabergé Silver Service

By Fabergé

Located in New Orleans, LA

This extraordinary 128-piece service by Fabergé is a rare treasure in more ways than one. Enclosed in its original oak chest, the exquisite service remains complete and in pristine c...

Category

Antique 19th Century Russian Sterling Silver

Materials

Silver

Miniature illuminated manuscript on vellum with 12 full-page miniatures
Miniature illuminated manuscript on vellum with 12 full-page miniatures

Miniature illuminated manuscript on vellum with 12 full-page miniatures

By Francois-Jacques Boeri

Located in ZWIJNDRECHT, NL

A tiny and complete Parisian Book of Hours with a plethora of intricate illuminations. 91 x 65mm (3.6 x 2.6in). 190 leaves on vellum, additional 4 paper leaves after (plus 3 paper e...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier European French Provincial Books

Materials

Leather

Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns
Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns

Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns

Located in West Hollywood, CA

Exquisite Rotunda Structure Kiosk Copper & Carved Stone Bench Seating Columns . Monumental Exquisite refined work King Charles X Period Rotunda rotundus building structure with a...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Charles X Architectural Elements

Materials

Stone, Copper

19th Century Russian Silver Figural Venus & Swan Chariot Table Ornament
19th Century Russian Silver Figural Venus & Swan Chariot Table Ornament

19th Century Russian Silver Figural Venus & Swan Chariot Table Ornament

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

19th Century Russian Silver Figural Venus & Swan Chariot Table Ornament, 3.9 oz A finely crafted Russian silver figural table ornament, dating to the late 19th century and depicting...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Neoclassical Sterling Silver

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique 19th Century French Chateau Oak Paneled Salon Room "Boiserie" circa 1865
Antique 19th Century French Chateau Oak Paneled Salon Room "Boiserie" circa 1865

Antique 19th Century French Chateau Oak Paneled Salon Room "Boiserie" circa 1865

Located in New Orleans, LA

A complete boiseries from the French country estate: "Chateau de Quatres Barbes." The antique 19th century French Louis XVI style grand oak paneled salon room or "boiseries" from the...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Panelling

Materials

Marble

Massive 1880 Antique Ormolu Bronze Enameled Automaton Musical Bracket Clock
Massive 1880 Antique Ormolu Bronze Enameled Automaton Musical Bracket Clock

Massive 1880 Antique Ormolu Bronze Enameled Automaton Musical Bracket Clock

By Winterhalder and Hofmeier

Located in Danville, CA

Massive 1880 Antique Ormolu Bronze Enameled Automaton Musical Bracket Clock An important, exhibition quality ormolu bronze bracket clock of massive proportions, the case decorated...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Table Clocks and Desk Clocks

Materials

Bronze

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Sterling Nef For Sale on 1stDibs

Find many varieties of an authentic sterling nef available at 1stDibs. A sterling nef — often made from metal, silver and sterling silver — can elevate any home. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer sterling nef, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Each sterling nef bearing Victorian hallmarks is very popular. You’ll likely find more than one sterling nef that is appealing in its simplicity, but Berthold Muller, Edwin Thompson Bryant and Thomas Callow & Son produced versions that are worth a look.

How Much is a Sterling Nef?

Prices for a sterling nef start at $2,207 and top out at $98,500 with the average selling for $24,334.

Finding the Right Sterling-silver for You

Dining and entertaining changed drastically when we began to set our tables with sterling silver for holiday gatherings, wedding receptions, engagement parties and, in some of today’s homes, everyday meals.

Often called the “Queen of metals,” silver has been universally adored for thousands of years. It is easy to see why it has always been sought after: It is durable, strong and beautiful. (Louis XIV had tables made entirely of silver.) Sterling silver is an alloy that is made of 92.5 percent silver — the “925” stamp that identifies sterling-silver jewelry refers to this number. The other 7.5 percent in sterling silver is typically sourced from copper.

Neoclassical-style sterling-silver goods in Europe gained popularity in the late 18th century — a taste for sterling-silver tableware as well as tea sets had taken shape — while in the United States, beginning in the 19th century, preparing the dinner table with sterling-silver flatware had become somewhat of a standard practice. Indeed, owning lots of silver goods during the Victorian era was a big deal. Back then, displaying fine silver at home was a status symbol for middle-class American families. And this domestic silver craze meant great profitability for legendary silversmith manufacturers such as Reed & Barton, Gorham Manufacturing Company and the International Silver Company, which was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898, a major hub of silver manufacturing nicknamed “Silver City.”

Today, special occasions might call for ceremonial silver designed by Tiffany & Co. or the seductive sterling-silver cutlery from remarkable Danish silversmith Georg Jensen, but there really doesn’t have to be an event on the calendar to trot out your finest tableware.

Event- and wedding-planning company maestro Tara Guérard says that some “investment pieces,” such as this widely enamored alloy, should see everyday use, and we’re inclined to agree.

“Sterling-silver flatware is a must-have that you can use every single day, even to eat cereal,” she says. “Personally, I want a sterling-silver goblet set for 12 to 20; I would use them every time I had a dinner party. Ultimately, there are no criteria for buying vintage pieces: Buy what you love, and make it work.”

Whether you’re thinking “ceremonial” or “cereal,” browse a versatile collection of vintage, new and antique sterling-silver wares on 1stDibs today.