About this lot

Description

by Jan van Dijk, Hoorn, (1901-1930), lion passant stamp indicating 2nd standard purity with a minimum silver standard 833/1000 overstruck with the key indicating export ware and with a date letter for 1909, the three masted fully rigged ship set in full sail and raised on two runners, 10cm in length, 11.5cm in height, 1.7ozt

Footnote: A nef is a table ornament and container, usually constructed of precious metal, in the shape of a sailing ship. Larger versions were able to hold salt, spices, cutlery and napkins. They were first recorded in Europe in the 13th century, consisting of just the hull, but by the 14th century they were adorned with masts, rigging, sails and even a full crew! Some had wheels applied to the hull to allow them to move over the table, whilst others were on fixed runners or pedestals. The nef was usually placed in front of the most important person seated at the table as a mark of their status. This example is a miniature version of one of these great table ornaments, most likely used as a demonstration of the silversmith’s skill and expertise as it is a particularly labour-intensive piece.

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