Postby Bahner » Fri May 23, 2008 10:46 am
Hello, agree that this is a reproduction, possibly from Hanau. Thiele in his book on Hanau silver documents several examples by various Hanau makers, Neresheimer among them. The “N” of the mark is meant to imitate the old Nürnberg city mark, Nürnberg having been one of the centers of German nef production (Augsburg being the other). It seems that not only authentic old pieces are rare, but also later reproductions. When Egger (though this was in 1972) exhibited over 160 reproductions of older silver objects, not one nef was among them, just all kinds of cups, tankards etc. Even in Neresheimer’s own collection there was just one authentic old nef (from Augsburg). The Victoria & Albert Museum has a nef, made by Nürnberg master Esaias zur Linden ca. 1620, which may have been the model for this one. Best wishes, Bahner
