Macabo Cusano Milanino Italian Modernist Silver-Plated Hollowware
Hollowware (likely a bowl, tray, or ice bucket base) · Macabo, Cusano Milanino. Founded by Aldo Tura in the mid-20th century, Macabo is an Italian manufacturer renowned for high-end barware and home accessories produced in the Milan area (Cusano Milanino).
Pattern: Mid-Century Modern Italian Design; specific pattern names are often minimalist or catalog-numbered rather than named collections like flatware.
Type
Hollowware (likely a bowl, tray, or ice bucket base)
Maker
Macabo, Cusano Milanino. Founded by Aldo Tura in the mid-20th century, Macabo is an Italian manufacturer renowned for high-end barware and home accessories produced in the Milan area (Cusano Milanino).
Material
Silver-plated brass or copper (EP). While Macabo produced some sterling items, the lack of fineness marks (like 800 or 925) and the visible surface scratching suggest a silver-plated base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 15-20 cm based on hand scale; weight likely ranges from 400g to 700g depending on whether it is a shallow bowl or an ice bucket base.
Description
This is a quintessential piece of Italian Mid-Century Modern silver-plated hollowware from the Macabo workshop. Known for their collaborations with designers like Aldo Tura, Macabo pieces represent the sleek 'Milano' style of the 1950s, bridging the gap between utilitarianism and high-end luxury decor.
Key Features
Distinctive 'Macabo Cusano Milanino' circular logo stamp and the minimalist stepped base profile typical of Italian modernist barware.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated brass or copper (EP). While Macabo produced some sterling items, the lack of fineness marks (like 800 or 925) and the visible surface scratching suggest a silver-plated base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Polished silver finish with a minimalist, unornamented Mid-Century Modern aesthetic. Features a stepped or recessed pedestal base and smooth concentric circular molding.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Circular stamped mark stating 'MADE IN ITALY', 'MACABO', and 'CUSANO MILANINO' surrounding a stylized seahorse-like logo.
Construction Details
Machine-spun and die-pressed metal. The uniform curves and recessed base indicate industrial production consistent with 1950s-70s Italian manufacturing.
Functional Features
Stable recessed circular base designed for holding volume; likely serves as the foundation for a larger vessel or a serving bowl.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible in the image of the underside; Macabo items often featured wood, leather, or goat skin accents on handles if present.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial craftsmanship. While not hand-hammered, the precision of the spinning and the clarity of the brand stamp indicate an upscale production facility.
Authentication Indicators
The stamp is crisp and authentic to the mid-century period. The wear pattern is consistent with silver plate on a harder base metal rather than the deeper patina of solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Cusano Milanino, Italy; a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Milan famous for luxury design workshops.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern (circa 1950-1970). The design emphasizes geometric simplicity and clean lines characteristic of post-war Italian design.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s-1960s. The typography of the stamp and the association with Aldo Tura's peak design period point to this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Made in Italy' boom of the post-war period, where Italian design became the global standard for modern sophistication in home entertaining.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. There is significant surface scratching (scuffing) across the base, indicating heavy use or abrasive cleaning. No major dents are visible, but the silver plate may be thinning in high-friction areas.
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 USD. Values fluctuate based on the specific form (e.g., an ice bucket or cocktail shaker by Macabo would command higher prices than a simple bowl).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a non-abrasive silver cream like Wright's. Avoid steel wool or harsh scouring pads, as they will further damage the silver plating and reveal the yellow base metal.
Similar Pieces
Alessi (mercury-like high polish), Sabattini (more sculptural/fluid), or Christofle Vertigo (geometric but modern).
Interesting Facts
The Macabo brand is closely tied to Aldo Tura, who is famous for his mid-century designs using lacquered goatskin and parchment; Macabo was his label for metalware accessories.