Mid-Century Italian Sterling Silver Triangular Dish or Bowl by Serafino Enardi
Hollowware (Small Triangular Bowl/Trinket Dish) · Serafino Enardi of Vercelli, Italy. Reg. mark 15 VC. Known for high-quality modernist silver design mid-century.
Pattern: Modernist Triangular Geometric Series (c. 1950s-1960s). Generally unpatterned, focusing on geometric form.
Type
Hollowware (Small Triangular Bowl/Trinket Dish)
Maker
Serafino Enardi of Vercelli, Italy. Reg. mark 15 VC. Known for high-quality modernist silver design mid-century.
Material
Sterling Silver (purity .925). Solid construction without base metal or plating.
Dimensions
Estimated 10-15 cm per side. Likely weighs between 100-200 grams based on typical thickness of such hollowware.
Description
A striking example of Italian mid-century silversmithing, this triangular dish by Serafino Enardi demonstrates the era's shift toward clean lines and geometric purity. The piece features a deep-set hallmark set against a high-polished (though now weathered) silver field, celebrating the material's luster over ornate engraving.
Key Features
Triangular modernist form; clear Vercelli (VC) provenance; distinctive stylized 'S' stamp; high silver purity of .925.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (purity .925). Solid construction without base metal or plating.
Finish & Decoration
Polished mirror finish with heavy surface patina and scratches from use. Minimalist decoration relying on architectural form.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Three distinct marks: 1. Lozange mark with '15 VC' indicating Serafino Enardi of Vercelli. 2. Stylized 'S' maker's logo. 3. Fineness mark showing '925' in a clipped corner rectangle.
Construction Details
Raised and formed from a single sheet of silver. Edges show hand-finishing consistent with artisan workshop production.
Functional Features
Planar triangular surface with angled walls, intended for catch-all use or as a modernist table ornament.
Handle & Grip Details
None; the piece is a rimless geometric vessel relying on its structural base for stability.
Craftsmanship Details
Expertly raised from flat sheet; the hallmarks are exceptionally crisp and well-struck, a hallmark of Enardi's workshop quality control.
Authentication Indicators
The 15 VC mark is historically accurate for Enardi. The sequence of hallmarks and the depth of the stamping are consistent with Italian laws of the 1940s-60s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Vercelli, Italy. A region renowned for its silver-smithing tradition and high-quality contemporary design.
Era & Period
Modernist / Mid-Century Modern (Italian School, post-WWII era approx. 1950-1970).
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965. Based on the 15 VC registration number and the specific style of the lozenge hallmark used during this era.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war Italian design boom where traditional silversmithing techniques were applied to avant-garde, architectural shapes to appeal to a sophisticated international market.
Condition Notes
Good overall with heavy surface micro-scratches consistent with improper cleaning or frequent use as a catch-all. Tarnish visible in corner recesses. Grade: Good.
Value Estimate
$250 - $600 USD depending on exact weight and the current market demand for Italian modernist silversmiths.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream (e.g., Wright's) using a soft cotton cloth. Avoid abrasive circular motions; polish with the grain of the metal when possible.
Similar Pieces
Tiffany & Co. modernist triangles; Christofle Gallia geometric trays; vintage Buccellati minimalist bowls.
Interesting Facts
Vercelli in Piedmont is often overshadowed by Milanese silver, but makers like Enardi were pivotal in establishing the Italian Modernist look that dominated global exports in the 60s.