Antique Silver Miniature Nef Salt Pin Cushion

This delightful miniature nef with articulated wheels and rudder is from Berthold Hermann Muller and bears London 1924 import marks to the upper rim on the starboard side. Both sides of this boat are embellished with nautical scenes presumably portraying Poseidon and other eminent mythical nautical figures. The articulated rudder is also marked with 925, whilst the keel also carries further hallmarks, including purity and the Bhm of Berthold Hermann Muller. As of 1893, Berthold's Herman Muller's father was registered as a “manufacturer’s agent” based out of 165 Wardour Street, London. His son, partnered with him in 1905, and the father-and-son duo went on to establish the firm “B. Muller and Son.” Among other avenues of their business, the Mullers were known to import the works of other silversmiths, especially from Germany. This category included Ludwig Neresheimer and Co., one of the leading silversmith firms of Hanau. Consequently, importing silver became the Mullers’ stock-in-trade and in 1915 the firm changed name to; “Berthold Miller and Son,” rebranding itself as a wholesale silversmith and jeweller. Probably originally a salt, this has since been repurposed as a pincushion with a removable pad.