Italian Hand-Wrought 800 Silver Repoussé Bowl or Platter
Hollowware (Bowl, Platter, or Large Tray) · Unknown Italian Silversmith workshop. The stamp indicates 'Lavorazione a Mano' (Handworked) and likely a Lozenge-shaped Italian provincial mark.
Pattern: Traditional Continental Floral Repoussé with fruit and foliate motifs; specific pattern name varies by workshop.
Type
Hollowware (Bowl, Platter, or Large Tray)
Maker
Unknown Italian Silversmith workshop. The stamp indicates 'Lavorazione a Mano' (Handworked) and likely a Lozenge-shaped Italian provincial mark.
Material
800 Silver (80% silver, 20% copper). This was the standard purity for silver in Continental Europe, particularly Italy and Germany, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter 25-35 cm (10-14 inches). Market context suggests a weight between 400g and 800g depending on thickness.
Description
A classic example of mid-century Italian craftsmanship, this 800 silver bowl features a robust repoussé rim decorated with organic floral motifs. The hand-wrought nature of the piece is proudly declared via the underside stamp, showcasing the transition from traditional bench-work to modern artisan branding. Its warm patina and substantial weight reflect the enduring quality of Continental silver standards.
Key Features
Explicit 'Lavorazione a Mano' stamp, 800 silver purity, and high-relief fruit and flower repoussé border with scalloped edges.
Material & Composition
800 Silver (80% silver, 20% copper). This was the standard purity for silver in Continental Europe, particularly Italy and Germany, throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Finish & Decoration
High-relief repoussé and chasing decoration featuring floral and leaf designs. The center exhibits a circular brushed or satin-turned finish from usage/cleaning, while the rim features heavy embossed floral elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'LAVORAZIONE A MANO' (Hand-worked) in uppercase letters. Above this is an oval or lozenge-shaped mark (likely containing a province code and maker number) and potentially an '800' fineness mark.
Construction Details
Hand-raised and hand-hammered. The 'Lavorazione a mano' stamp confirms the piece was shaped from a flat silver sheet rather than cast or machine-pressed.
Functional Features
Wide decorative rim for presentation; shallow depth suggests use as a fruit bowl, centerpiece, or serving platter for dry goods.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible; likely a rimmed circular form without secondary handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of hand-tooling is visible in the varied depths of the floral motifs. The 'Lavorazione' stamp is slightly uneven, typical of hand-struck marking on a finished piece.
Authentication Indicators
The style of the lettering in the 'Lavorazione a mano' stamp is consistent with mid-century Italian silversmithing. Wear patterns on the bottom surface are consistent with age and sliding on tabletops.
Origin & Manufacturing
Italy. The Italian phrase and the specific layout of the stamps indicate a workshop in a major silver center such as Milan, Florence, or Padua.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century Italian (circa 1934-1968), following traditional Rococo Revival or Baroque styles common in Italian export silver.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1960. The use of the specific 'Lavorazione a mano' stamp became common in the post-WWII period to distinguish artisan work from industrial production.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war boom of Italian craftsmanship and the importance of 'Made in Italy' as a hallmark of luxury and artistic tradition in the silver trade.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible circular cleaning scratches in the center indicate regular use. Moderate tarnish in the crevices of the repoussé work (sulfide deposits). No major dents or cracks visible.
Value Estimate
$400 - $850 USD. Value is heavily driven by the current spot price of silver plus a 20-40% premium for the craftsmanship and 'Lavorazione a mano' designation.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild silver cream like Wright's. Avoid 'dips' which can strip the natural oxidation in the deep floral details, ruining the visual depth of the repoussé.
Similar Pieces
German 800 silver floral bowls (often marked with Crown and Crescent) or Portuguese .833 silver platters. Italian pieces tend to be more fluid and 'Baroque' in their floral execution.
Interesting Facts
The 'Lavorazione a Mano' mark was a point of pride for Italian silversmiths after the Industrial Revolution to prove the item wasn't mass-produced by machine presses.