A CONTINENTAL SILVER MOUNTED NAUTILUS SHELL, probably German, late 19th century, the stem formed as a bearded merman with upraised arms supporting the shell, the front mount formed as a scarab, with mask and scroll, openwork, strap side mounts, the end with similar strap and topped by Neptune astride a seamonster atop foliage, with engraved silver mount to the rim, all resting on raised circular base with waisted middle, chased with panels of a seamonster divided by ribbon tied confronting shells, with crimped rim--14½in. (36.8cm.) high