A FINE SILVER-GILT MOUNTED NAUTILUS SHELL CUP, on a domed and waisted circular foot, chased with shells and scrolling foliage and with two vacant foliate cartouches, the bowl supported by an ivory stem carved with a semi-naked male figure astride a dolphin, the shell engraved with detailed vignettes and various scenes including Tobias fishing, with Arch-angel onlooking, and with strapwork mounts engraved with fruit and foliage, the front with a mount chased with Neptune surrounded by shells, foliage, fishing nets, a trident, a spear and an anchor, the back applied with a cast dragon, shells, coral and foliage, apparently unmarked, possibly Northern Italy, mid 17th Century