A very beautiful Viennese enamel ship.

In the form of a single-masted sailing ship on wheels, a so-called "Neff". Silver, gilded and partially enameled. The ship's curved body in the shape of a vessel with faithfully rendered mast, sails, rigging, and a roof-like structure. Several decorative figures are featured on the fore and aft decks, as well as in the mast basket. The hull, roof, pennant, and sails are adorned with finely painted, polychrome enamel scenes from mythology. The railings are designed in the Rococo style. Signed, with the hallmark of master Ludwig Politzer, supplier to the royal court LKG (active since 1876). Weight approx. 515 g. Height 18.5 cm. 22.5 cm x 6.5 cm. Ludwig Politzer was one of the most important silversmiths and jewelers of the second half of the 19th century in Vienna. He specialized in the production of enamel art objects, silver works, and similar "Neffs" based on Renaissance models. His works were exhibited in Paris in 1878 and 1900 at the International Exhibitions. See Neuwirth, Vienna, Lexicon, Volume II, p. 110 ff. Provenance: Royal House of Hanover, Auction "Royal House of Hanover/Das Königshaus von Hannover", Sotheby's, Marienburg Castle, October 5-15, 2005, Additional lot: Lot 2573; thereafter in a private collection in Brandenburg. A very exquisite and decorative Austrian Neff of gilded silver with enamel by Ludwig Politzer (active since 1876). Hallmark and master's mark. Austria, Vienna, circa 1880.