A Rare and Unusual 19th Century German .800 Silver Nautilus Shell Cup
If you haven’t encountered a nautilus cup of this kind recently, there’s a good reason. Most surviving examples tend to be more ornate and are now held in private collections or museum archives, while others occasionally appear at auction, commanding exceptionally high prices.
This ornate .800 silver nautilus shell cup features a finely detailed filigree silver and enamel sailing ship finial, embellished all around with inset natural coral cabochons. The cup is supported by an elaborate figural base depicting a mythological son of Poseidon astride a dolphin. The base is hallmarked with the Bamberg City mark (B) and lion rampant, along with the general crescent and crown mark.
Measurements: 32cm high x 20cm long
Provenance: A private family collection - Melbourne, Victoria. Sold via auction, assessed and appraised by David Freeman, a Government approved valuer under the cultural gifts program of Australia.
Condition: The shell is free from chips, cracks, or fractures. The silver displays natural patination and surface scuffs consistent with age and handling. All coral elements are present and intact. The shell is affixed to the base with an adhesive, visible along the edges; this does not detract from the overall presentation. Upon receipt, the piece exhibited significant tarnish; it has since received a light polish. A more thorough polish may be undertaken at the buyer’s discretion, especially to the figural base.
Shipping: To ensure this fragile nautilus cup arrives safely and securely, it will be shipped inside a blue security tote box made from heavy-duty polypropylene.
