Tales of William the Conqueror (1027/28-1087) imbibing from a silver ship may provide the earliest evidence for the vessels we recognize as nefs. Derived from the old French term for ship, the nef developed in France as a vessel formed as a ship’s hull and scaled for the table. Elaborately decorated, early French nefs served dual purposes-to signify the power and wealth of its owner, and for the storage of his personal dining utensils, including cutlery, spices, linens and drinking cups. As the fear of poisoning was a significant concern, the nef helped to ensure the safety and sanitation of the utensils most likely to come in contact with the mouth. By the early 16th century, the nef had evolved to include a detachable upper portion with a fully outfitted deck supporting a mast and sails. Some nefs, particularly those made in Germany, were supported on operational wheels, such as the present example. Unlike the protective purpose of their French counterparts, the role of German nefs was entirely celebratory, and the vessels were incorporated into drinking games. When the deck and sails are detached, the hull forms a cup, from which the reveler swigs from the ship’s pointed bow.