Monumental Hanau German Silver Gilt Nef Ship -- 45 in 115 cm

Our extraordinary German cup and cover in the Baroque style, circa 1880s, is crafted from gilt brass and features extensive use of rock crystal, including cabochon and faceted circular jewels. Apparently unsigned. Provenance: Koopman Rare Art, London. Regilded and in excellent condition. There is a soldered repair to the female's spear. Founded in London in 1952, Koopman Rare Art is one of the world’s most admired dealers specializing in antique silver, gold and objects de vertu.

Our gilt bronze sculpture after Jean Antoine Injalbert (1845-1933) is known as Amour aux Colombes (Love with Birds).

Our patinated bronze by Charles Auguste Lebourg (1829-1906) depicting a child playing with lizard is signed in the cast and inscribed "MEDAILLE D'OR ET DATE 1853". On reverse is black ink is the word COMO. Lebourg first exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1852. This important work debuted at the Salon in 1853 and won a medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855. He is perhaps best known for the sculptural design of the Wallace fountains...

Our rare, 18th century ceremonial casket in the form of a Venetian gondola is expertly carved from walnut with gilt cartouches depicting figures and s...

Silver and silver gilt nef sailing ship Continental, 20th Century Height 44cm, width 38cm, depth 12cm Made from silver and silver gilt, this nef, also known as a model ship, is br...

Large German early 20th century silver and vermeil nef German, Early 20th Century Height 80cm, width 70cm, depth 19cm This impressive sculpture of a nef was crafted by skilled German craftsmen in the early 20th century. Historically nefs were used to store spices and cutler on a dining table, but as their designs became more elaborate, they became purely decorative. The hull of the piece is intricately cast with high relief depictions of cherubs, sea creatures, scrolls, and waves among many others. Various coats of arms are cast and engraved on the nef. The deck is filled with delicate vermeil figures undertaking various tasks. The wheels as well as the bow are gilt creating a superb contrast between the several tones of metals. All pieces of this nef are wonderfully crafted, with details such as the waving...

This superb example of a sterling silver Nef carries import marks for London, 1925 by Thomas Callow & Son. Nefs are extravagant table ornaments a...

This nef, made of silvered metal, takes the form of a galleon. A nef is a table ornament, usually made of precious metal such as silver, that takes the shape of a ship. This nef has ...