German Silver Ship By Neresheimer & Söhne, Hanau, Circa 1890

Provenance

Important decorative silver ship made by Neresheimer & Söhne of Hanau, Germany, circa 1890. The piece bears the characteristic “N” mark for Neresheimer together with Hanau silver marks. Established in the late nineteenth century, the Neresheimer workshop became renowned for elaborate historicist silver inspired by Renaissance and early Baroque models. Large ceremonial ships formed an important part of this highly decorative production.

Description

This impressive three-masted silver ship is conceived as a richly detailed sailing vessel. The hull is extensively decorated in relief with marine and allegorical figures, scrolling foliage, shells and ornamental motifs. It rests on sculptural sea-creature supports incorporating small wheels, allowing the vessel to move.

The deck is enclosed by finely pierced arcaded railings and populated by numerous individually modelled sailors shown carrying out different tasks and manoeuvres. Three tall masts rise above the deck, fitted with pierced fighting tops, ladders, yards and an elaborate network of finely twisted silver rigging. The ship is further enriched with numerous flags and pennants, carefully formed silver sails and a suspended anchor.

One of the principal sails bears the royal arms of Henry VIII, combining the fleurs-de-lis of France with the lions of England. This heraldic decoration reinforces the Renaissance inspiration of the composition. Particular attention has been given to the multitude of figures, the complex rigging, the architectural openwork of the railings and the individually finished decorative elements throughout the vessel.

The overall execution demonstrates the high standard of Hanau historicist silverwork, combining sculptural modelling with precise chasing, engraving and pierced decoration to create a complex three-dimensional object intended to be viewed from all sides.

Weight: 1,816 g.

Technique and materials

Silver, repoussé, chased, engraved, pierced and assembled. The hull, figures, railings, sails and rigging were produced as numerous separate elements and carefully joined to form the highly detailed overall construction. The body bears the “N” mark for Neresheimer together with Hanau silver marks.

Dating

Hanau, Germany, circa 1890. The ship belongs to the German Historicist tradition of the late nineteenth century, drawing directly upon Renaissance ceremonial silver through its form, heraldic imagery and ornamental vocabulary.

Condition

Very good overall condition considering the age and considerable complexity of the object. Natural patina and minor traces of age and use consistent with an antique silver piece. The photographs provide a detailed view of the condition of the rigging, figures and decorative elements.

Function and display

Originally conceived as a prestigious decorative table or display object, this silver ship was intended to demonstrate technical virtuosity and historical taste. Today it is particularly suitable for an important silver collection, cabinet of curiosities or distinguished interior.

Dimensions

height - 42 cm
width - 45 cm
depth - 14 cm