Fratelli Cacchione 800 Silver Octagonal Nut Bowl/Dish
Hollowware (Bowl/Dish) · Fratelli Cacchione of Milan, Italy. Founded in 1889 by Vincenzo Cacchione, the firm is world-renowned for high-end luxury silver, having produced pieces for Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bulgari. They are regarded as one of the premier Italian silversmithing workshops of the 20th century.
Pattern: Modernist Octagonal; produced as part of their mid-century geometric series. Likely a bespoke or low-volume production rather than a long-running commercial pattern.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl/Dish)
Maker
Fratelli Cacchione of Milan, Italy. Founded in 1889 by Vincenzo Cacchione, the firm is world-renowned for high-end luxury silver, having produced pieces for Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Bulgari. They are regarded as one of the premier Italian silversmithing workshops of the 20th century.
Material
800 Silver (80% silver, 20% copper). This is the standard fineness for Italian silver. Solid construction, not plated.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter: 12-14 cm; Height: 4-5 cm. Estimated weight: 180-250 grams (5.8 - 8.0 Troy oz) based on typical thick-walled Cacchione construction.
Description
An elegant example of Italian luxury silvercraft, this octagonal dish by Fratelli Cacchione showcases the firm's mastery of geometric form. The piece transitions from a sharp, eight-sided exterior rim to a soft, circular interior basin, creating a play of light and shadow. As suppliers to the world’s most prestigious jewelry houses, Cacchione pieces represent the pinnacle of Milanese silversmithing.
Key Features
Octagonal-to-circular transition, heavy-gauge 800 silver, '22 MI' Milanese hallmark, and the prestigious Fratelli Cacchione signature stamp.
Material & Composition
800 Silver (80% silver, 20% copper). This is the standard fineness for Italian silver. Solid construction, not plated.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-brushed interior with a high-polish exterior rim. The design is minimalist and geometric, characteristic of the Italian Modernist school. The rim is multi-stepped and octagonal, featuring a subtle bevel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Includes the '800' fineness mark in an oval. The maker's mark '22 MI' inside a lozenge indicates the 22nd silversmith registered in Milan. Also stamped 'FRATELLI CACCHIONE' in block letters and a '2' indicating size or series number.
Construction Details
Machine-pressed and hand-finished. The concentric rings in the base indicate spinning or precision lathe work, followed by hand-polishing and stamping.
Functional Features
Wide, stepped octagonal rim for easy gripping; deep circular well for holding small items. The heavy gauge of the silver provides stability for use as a centerpiece or desk accessory.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; the stepped octagonal perimeter serves as the primary contact point for handling.
Craftsmanship Details
Superb. The thickness of the silver walls is significantly heavier than mass-produced retail silver, showcasing the 'luxury' weight for which the workshop was famous.
Authentication Indicators
The '22 MI' mark is a documented identifier for Cacchione. The crispness of the '800' stamp and the specific font of the maker's name are consistent with authentic 20th-century production.
Origin & Manufacturing
Milan, Italy. Specifically the Cacchione workshop, known for blending traditional techniques with contemporary industrial design aesthetics.
Era & Period
Modernist / Mid-Century Modern (c. 1950-1970). The clean lines and lack of ornamentation reflect the post-war Italian design boom.
Age Estimate
Circa 1955-1965. The hallmark format '22 MI' without the fascis or subsequent modern variants places it firmly in the mid-20th century.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Made in Italy' movement that transformed Italian craftsmanship into a global symbol of luxury and sophistication during the 1950s.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface scratches (swirl marks) in the basin consistent with use and cleaning. No visible dents or deep gouges. Moderate tarnish in crevices near the hallmarks.
Value Estimate
$400 - $750 USD. Values fluctuate based on the weight of silver and the prestige of the Cacchione name in high-end design auctions.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (Hagerty or Wright's) using a soft sponge. Avoid abrasive pads. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth bag. Do not place in a dishwasher, as the high heat and chemicals will pit the 800 silver finish.
Similar Pieces
Buccellati 'Dogon' dishes (more textured), Tiffany 'Geometric' bowls (often made by Cacchione but marked Tiffany), or Sabattini silver-plate (lighter and non-precious).
Interesting Facts
Fratelli Cacchione were the actual makers behind many of the most famous 'Tiffany & Co.' and 'Cartier' silver pieces of the 1960s and 70s. Finding a piece with their own signature is highly desirable for collectors of Italian design.