Skip to product information
Continental Silver Nef
Continental Silver Nef
Continental Silver Nef
Continental Silver Nef
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Continental Silver Nef

  • This continental silver model of a two-masted nef exemplifies the pinnacle of craftsmanship
  • Designed as a centerpiece for a table or sideboard, it served as a striking status symbol
  • The hull is lavishly adorned with repousséd scrolling acanthus and putti motifs
  • The deck features two finely detailed men and two cannons while windows allow a view within the ship
  • Get complete item description here
$22,850
Item No. 31-9212

To speak to one of our experts, call 1-888-711-8084

Description
Silver Nef
Continental Silver
19th century


This exquisite continental silver model of a two-masted nef exemplifies the pinnacle of 19th-century craftsmanship. Designed as a centerpiece for a table or sideboard, it served as a striking symbol of its patron's wealth and status. The hull is lavishly adorned with repousséd scrolling acanthus and putti motifs, imbuing the piece with a dynamic sense of movement. Elevated on dolphin-form covered wheels, this nef is as functional as. . .
Read More
Silver Nef
Continental Silver
19th century


This exquisite continental silver model of a two-masted nef exemplifies the pinnacle of 19th-century craftsmanship. Designed as a centerpiece for a table or sideboard, it served as a striking symbol of its patron's wealth and status. The hull is lavishly adorned with repousséd scrolling acanthus and putti motifs, imbuing the piece with a dynamic sense of movement. Elevated on dolphin-form covered wheels, this nef is as functional as it is decorative, blending artistic mastery with elegant utility.

The deck features two finely detailed men and two cannons, while the raised stern deck is crowned with a canopied cover, also embellished with repousséd scrolling acanthus. This intricate canopy is supported by eight putti figures, charmingly decorating the baluster railing. Below, triple-arched mullion windows provide a glimpse into the nef's imagined interior.

The double masts are outfitted with two sails, and a flag engraved with a crowned coat of arms, flanked by scrolling acanthus leaves, proudly flies above. This remarkable masterpiece not only captures the grandeur of historical naval vessels but also showcases the extraordinary artistry and attention to detail characteristic of the period. This nef was also part of the iconic Red McCombs collection, which has been highly publicized and studied.

23 1/2" high x 21 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" deep

Provenance:
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Red McCombs Collection, Texas
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Read Less
Continental Silver Nef
Period: 19th Century
Origin: Continental
Type: Other
Depth: 6.5 in. (16.51 cm)
Width: 21.5 in. (54.61 cm)
Height: 23.5 in. (59.69 cm)
Continental Silver Nef
At the Center of it All: Centerpieces to Elevate Any Table

Table setting for formal and informal occasions is a longstanding tradition that continues to be practiced in the modern day. Perhaps you roll out formal dining table decorations, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas...

Read More
Continental Silver Nef
Set Sail! The Grandeur of the Nef

The nef was at one time an indispensable fine dining fixture. Though the days of its greatest popularity may have sailed by, these magnificent works are finding renewed appreciation amongst connoisseurs of fine...

Read More
Buy with Confidence

At M.S. Rau, we are committed to building a long-term, rewarding relationship with each and every client. That’s why your purchase is backed by our 125% guarantee.

Learn More

Recently Viewed


The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

The M.S. Rau Difference

Our philosophy has always been to offer clients only the very finest antiques, works of art and jewelry, and to back every transaction with the highest level of customer service. Earning your trust and delivering only the very best pieces is our top priority.

-Bill Rau, Third-Generation Owner

Fine Art

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private. . .

M.S. Rau is committed to offering fine art of the highest caliber and we seek paintings and sculpture by historically renowned artists, often with impressive provenance. The large majority of our works of art come from private collections; many are fresh to the market. Founded on Bill Rau’s expertise in the field, our specialisms range from Old Master pictures to Modern Art masterpieces. We regularly exhibit Dutch, Flemish, and Italian Old Masters, Academic, Orientalist, Barbizon, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Maritime & Sporting, British Neoclassical and American Illustration.

Our experienced fine art consultants offer personalized and confidential fine art consultation services to all clients. Whether you are looking to begin collecting art, grow an existing collection, or redefine your collecting strategy, M.S. Rau can support you on this journey.

Jewelry

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses. . .

For more than a century, M.S. Rau has offered clients a superb selection of the highest quality jewelry. From the rarest colored diamonds, to the most sublime gemstones, to the most exquisite designer jewelry, M.S. Rau houses an extraordinary collection of fine jewels to satisfy the most discerning collector. Stunning creations by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe are offered alongside extreme rarities such as vivid yellow, pink and blue diamonds, coveted Burma and Kashmir sapphires and elusive Golconda diamonds prized for their fire and perfection. Iconic jewels from the Art Deco, Edwardian, Art Nouveau and Victorian periods round out the collection.

Antiques

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the. . .

Since 1912, M.S. Rau has been recognized as a leader in the antiques industry and today our collections of rare silver, furniture, clocks, porcelain, glass and objets d'art are second to none. Our commitment to curating the world’s most extraordinary and beautiful treasures has remained steadfast and our acquisition philosophy is simple: seek out and acquire only the very finest works whose provenance, beauty and rarity set them apart from all others. Our clients can be certain that each and every piece in our gallery has been hand-selected and carefully vetted for authenticity, condition and provenance. And, because our network of contacts spans generations, we are often able to acquire pieces that may have otherwise never been available on the market.

Whether you are just starting your collection, adding to an existing collection or even decorating your home, our team’s knowledge and experience can assist you in your endeavor. We have services and procedures in place to make your acquisition process both enjoyable and efficient.