A fine Edwardian sterling silver two-masted nef (ship), hall...

Estimate

£2,000 - £3,000

A fine Edwardian sterling silver two-masted nef (ship), hallmarked London, 1901, with the sponsor mark of Edwin Thompson Bryant and bearing additional Hanau pseudo-marks to the sails. Realistically modeled with two rigged masts and billowing chased silver sails, the deck features several cast mariner figures and a central cabin. The hull is profusely decorated with high-relief sea-deities and foliate scrolls, terminating in a serpent figurehead and raised on four functional openwork wheels.Maker: Edwin Thompson Bryant (Importer); Karl Kurz or Neresheimer (Hanau manufacturer)Origin: London / Hanau, GermanyMaterial: Sterling Silver

Country of Origin: The ship was originally made in Hanau, Germany, a city famous for producing high-quality silver in the style of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Importer: It was brought into the UK by Edwin Thompson Bryant, a well-known London agent who specialized in luxury European silver.

Double-Marked: Because it has marks from both Germany (on the sails) and London (on the body), it is more desirable to collectors. The German marks are "style" marks, while the London marks are official government proof of quality.

Material and Purity
Silver Quality: It is made of Sterling Silver, which means it is 92.5% pure silver. The London hallmarks (specifically the "Lion Passant") act as a legal guarantee of this purity.

Build: It is a solid silver piece, not plated.

Physical Presence
Weight: Approximately 800 grams (just under 1kg). In the silver trade, this is a substantial weight for a table ornament, giving it a very solid and expensive feel.

Dimensions: It stands roughly 25.5cm tall, is 22cm long, and 6.6cm wide.

Design: It is a two-masted "nef" (a decorative ship centerpiece). This size is perfect for a display cabinet or a sideboard without being overbearing.

Auctioneer's Note: An exceptional cross-border piece, combining the exuberant design of the German Hanau workshops with the legal prestige of London Edwardian hallmarks. The dual marking significantly enhances its collector appeal.