Italian 800 Silver Pierced Oval Bonbon Dish
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Bowl) · Unknown Italian Silversmith (indicated by the lozenge-shaped fascio mark). Italian silver is renowned for its sculptural variety and adherence to 800 purity standards during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Traditional Pierced Scroll and Floral Pattern; utilitarian design common to the mid-century Italian silver export market.
Type
Hollowware (Bonbon Dish / Sweetmeat Bowl)
Maker
Unknown Italian Silversmith (indicated by the lozenge-shaped fascio mark). Italian silver is renowned for its sculptural variety and adherence to 800 purity standards during the mid-20th century.
Material
800 Silver (80% silver, 20% copper). This was the standard purity for Italian silver during the early to mid-20th century, offering higher durability than sterling for intricate pierced work.
Dimensions
Estimated 15-18 cm in length, 10-12 cm in width. Weight likely ranges between 150-250 grams based on the thickness of the rim and the density of 800 silver.
Description
An elegant mid-century Italian 800 silver bonbon dish featuring a gracefully flared rim accented with intricate openwork piercing. The oval form and low center of gravity make it a stable and attractive addition to a dining service or vanity.
Key Features
The '800' hallmark, the characteristic Italian lozenge maker's stamp, and the combination of a smooth polished well with a highly decorated openwork border.
Material & Composition
800 Silver (80% silver, 20% copper). This was the standard purity for Italian silver during the early to mid-20th century, offering higher durability than sterling for intricate pierced work.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and tarnished finish with hand-pierced (openwork) floral and stylized scroll motifs located on the flared rim. The interior appears to have a planished or smooth reflective surface now obscured by heavy sulfur tarnish.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Visible '800' fineness mark in a rectangular cartouche and a lozenge-shaped maker's mark containing a number and two letters (e.g., '123 FI'), which signifies the silversmith's registration number and province (Florence, Milan, etc.) in Italy.
Construction Details
Spun or raised oval body with a machine-stamped or hand-pierced decorative rim. The rim exhibits a rolling or 'bead' edge for structural reinforcement.
Functional Features
Low-profile oval basin designed for serving small candies, chocolates, or nuts. The pierced rim serves both a decorative purpose and allows for easy gripping.
Handle & Grip Details
No dedicated handles; the wide, flared pierced rim functions as the grip for the piece.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade craftsmanship with good attention to detail in the piercing symmetry. The mark striking is deep and clear, indicating a reputable workshop production.
Authentication Indicators
Clearly struck Italian hallmarks consistent with the mid-20th century period; wear patterns on the base and rim appear commensurate with age and utility.
Origin & Manufacturing
Italy; likely manufactured in a major silver center such as Florence (FI), Milan (MI), or Alessandria (AL).
Era & Period
20th Century Italian (specifically 1934–1968, indicated by the hallmark style). Elements of Neo-Rococo design are visible in the piercing.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The specific lozenge-shaped mark without a fascio symbol suggests post-WWII production.
Cultural Significance
Representative of the post-war Italian design boom where high-quality silver goods were produced both for domestic use in formal dining and for a thriving export market to the United States and UK.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. The item shows heavy oxidation and tarnish, primarily black sulfide deposits. There are visible surface scratches and 'pitting' in the tarnish, but no major structural dents or tears in the piercing are visible.
Value Estimate
Market value is currently $150 - $250 USD, largely tied to the spot price of silver plus a premium for the decorative piercing and Italian origin.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a thorough cleaning with a high-quality silver cream (e.g., Wright's) and a soft horsehair brush to reach into the pierced crevices. Avoid acidic dips which can strip the 'patina' from the recessed areas of the piercing.
Similar Pieces
English Sterling pierced baskets (marked with Lion Passant), German 800 silver handled baskets (Körbe), or American Sterling nut dishes by Gorham or Wallace.
Interesting Facts
800 silver was the continental standard for centuries; while slightly lower in purity than sterling (.925), it was preferred by Italian artisans for its hardness, which allowed for thinner, more delicate piercing without the silver bending.