德國銀胎鎏金帆船造型酒杯， 蓋約•穆納製造，紐倫堡，, 1609-1629年作

on revolving wheels, each side embossed with a dolphin in wavelets, winged scaly monster forming the spout with sails, ladders, rigging and defenders

Wheels wobbly, repair and/ or minor losses to rim, base of spout underside of mast and wheels, stern bracket cracked, 1806 Prague control mark on body, sails and pennant, 2 figures mssing from decking, good clear marks, nice colour, nicely decorated.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

帆船造型酒杯由來已久，「nef」在法語意為船。最早的紀錄應該是十三世紀一件奉獻給聖尼科拉斯聖壇（聖尼科拉德波爾，洛林）的帆船酒杯，奉獻者是路易九世（綽號聖路易）及其妻普羅旺斯的瑪格麗特（Margaret of Provence），以感恩能夠安然渡海。「nef」及「nave」二詞出自同一個意為船的拉丁語，反映了在西方早期，帆船酒杯在世俗和宗教生活中的地位。作為一件世俗用品，酒杯是餐桌上最重要的物件，置於貴族王公手邊以盛載其餐巾及餐具。帆船酒杯在西方上一直地位超然；如法王路易十四亦擁有一件黃金及琺瑯帆船酒杯，直至十七世紀末依然有人對這件曾屬於「太陽王」的帆船酒杯躬身致敬。另一方面，帆船酒杯亦會被用作酒杯或酒瓶，也是王侯貴族在餐桌上展現尊貴地位的重要象徵物。