A Highly Important Viennese Nef by Hermann Böhm

Dimensions: H: 31 in / 79 cm W: 15 in / 37.5 cm D: 8.5 in / 21.5 cm Constructed in silver, bearing the maker’s marks, and exquisitely enamelled; the boat form nef, with a detachable enamelled cover, having enamelled ellipses, polychrome decorated with Classic scenes from antiquity both to the interior and exterior, is supported on a domed foot, having the stem cast with four stylised dolphins interspersed with tritons, and incorporating a pavilion of musicians and spectators, with six oarsmen; a central mast, under sail, and dressed with spirally decorated enamels, and is topped with a flag, rises from the pavilion, itself flanked by ovoid containers.

Vienna, Circa 1880