Antique Silver Fish

Object Description

This giant silver fish box is larger than life. An excellent quality model fish, beautifully articulated, and with naturalistic engraved detail and scales. The head opens to reveal a storage box. Stunning large size. Pale gilt finish and blue enamelled eyes. The bottom fins serve also as stand supports.

Weight 2180 grams, 70 troy ounces.
Length 72.5 cm. Height 12 cm (to top of fin).
Continental silver marks for Hanau, Germany.
Circa 1900.
German silver fineness is usually 800/1000.

A fantastic decorative item.

Marks. Stamped on the tail fin and body with Hanau silver marks.

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Object Literature

The antique silver industry of Hanau specialised in excellent copies of old master silversmiths’ work, particularly Nuremberg pieces, double lady cups, old goblets, snuff boxes and so on. These copies were marked with fantasy marks, somewhat resembling old marks, which also harmonized with the style of the piece. Hanau silver was largely imported in UK between the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the main importers being Berthold Muller and J.G. Piddington.

Object Condition

Very good condition. Moderate signs of wear commensurate with age. Some wear to the blue enamelled eyes. The original gilding is worn in part leaving a faded par-gilt finish which we find very charming.

Object Details