Antiques M.S. Rau | German Nef By J.D. Schleissner & Sohne

This Colossal Silver Nef Is A Spectacular Example Of German Silverwork From The Town Of Hanau. Used As A Centerpiece For A Table Or Sideboard, The Ship Was A Visible Representation Of A Patron’S Wealth. This Particular Model Is Quite Rare In That It Holds Wine In Its Cargo And Pours Out Of Its Bow.

The Vessel, Crafted By Esteemed Hanau Smiths J. D. Schleissner &Amp; Söhne, Is Covered With Incredible Detailing And Decoration. Complete With Billowing Sails, Flags, An Anchor And A Full Crew At Work, It Displays Incredible Chased And Repoussé Figures Set Against A Backdrop Of Aquatic Landscapes. The Main Sail Proudly Displays The English Royal Arms, Meaning That This Nef Was Almost Certainly Crafted For Someone In The Queen’S Service. An Object Of Intricate Workmanship And Stunning Detail, The Nef Is A Wonder To Behold.

Founded In 1817, J. D. Schleissner &Amp; Söhne Was Established Johann Daniel Schleissner, A Visionary Goldsmith From Augsburg, Who Relocated To Hanau In 1816. His Firm’S Legacy Would Come To Redefine The Standards Of Silver Craftsmanship. Johann Daniel’S Son, Daniel Philipp August, Succeeded Him And Steered The Company Towards Specialization In Exquisite Decorative Objet D’Art. What Began As A Modest Family Enterprise Quickly Grew Into A Formidable Factory With A Workforce Of 1000 Employees By 1848. Elegant And Precisely Crafted, J. D. Schleissner &Amp; Söhne’S Pieces Exhibit Artistry Of The Highest Quality, And They Are Among The Finest Silver Items Ever Produced In Hanau.

A Number Of Very Similar Examples By J. D. Schleissner &Amp; Söhne Are Illustrated In B. W. Thiele, Tafel-Und Schausilber Des Historismus Aus Hanau, Tübingen, 1992, Pl. 67 And 68.

Circa 1900

20 3/4″ High X 16 1/8″ Wide X 5 1/4″ Deep