Fine German .800 Silver Nautilus Cup, dated 1894, probably Hanau, with Prague import mark 1891-1901, in the Mannerist taste, with a figural standard of Poseidon astride a hippocampus riding the waves, and supporting on his shoulders a silver nautilus shell crested by a melusine seated upon a dolphin, the whole raised on an oval base with two mascaron- and two cartouche-centered feet, the cartouches engraved "1894", h. 18-1/2", l. 13-1/2", w. 9-7/8", 94.20 t. oz.

Overall Condition: Good. The figure of Poseidon has a break running about 60% around the underside of the right proper arm, with some lead solder repair around but the break still visible. Otherwise no dents, breaks or repairs noted. The figural elements are of electrotype construction, while the shell and and base are stamped and the applied details cast and applied. One of the nut/bolt connections which secure the shell to the frame is lacking (just above the trident). Marked (on the basal edge and the rim of the nautilus) with the Prague import mark ("P/AU") in use 1891-1901 (which guaranteed the Austro-Hungarian minimum fineness of .750); otherwise the piece is unmarked. A striking piece.