A large Austrian Silver and Enamel Nef, Hermann Boehm, Vienna, circa 1880

the hull, deck, sails and base finely painted with classical scenes including the Toilet of Venus, the Rape of Europa, and bacchic revels, the deck also mounted with twelve musicians and numerous sailors climbing the rigging, phoenix bow sprit, the stern mounted with a female caryatid holding a torch, the stem with putti riding monsters and hippocamps above a domed base painted with Biblical scenes, borders of openwork foliage heightened with enamel and set with gems

needs cleaning, the yard arm bent and its sail now loosely tied, chips to lower row of sails, two stones missing from base rim which is also bent, other minor chips throughout, overall surprisngly good!
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.