A Dutch silver-gilt-mounted nautilus shell, Cornelis Bellekin, Amsterdam, late 17th century
Auction Closed
July 1, 03:00 PM GMT
Estimate
200,000 - 400,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
The shell engraved on both sides with Dutch peasant scenes, the front of the upper ridge engraved with a vacant armorial cartouche and carved as a helmet, the keel with engraved signature 'C. Belkin f.', the silver-gilt mounts lining the interior of the shell and supporting it longitudinally, surmounted by a putto riding a dolphin, the stem modelled as a swan on a base chased and embossed with fantastical sea creatures amongst waves, the mounts marked with later French import mark for 1893-1970,
33cm, 13in. high
This lot contains endangered species. Sotheby’s recommends that buyers check with their
own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example,
US regulations restrict or prohibit the import of certain items to protect wildlife conservation.
Please note that Sotheby’s will not assist buyers with the shipment of this lot to the US. A
buyer’s inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale
cancellation.
In an English private collection since at least the mid-20th century