Italian Souvenir Silver Decorative Plate or Plaque
Decorative Object / Souvenir Plaque · Unknown Italian silversmith; likely a workshop in Venice or Milan specializing in souvenir miniatures.
Pattern: Commemorative Souvenir Series, Architectural Motif
Type
Decorative Object / Souvenir Plaque
Maker
Unknown Italian silversmith; likely a workshop in Venice or Milan specializing in souvenir miniatures.
Material
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS) or a low-grade silver alloy (800 silver); the yellowing suggests brass bleed-through or heavy tarnishing.
Dimensions
Approximately 2 inches by 2 inches (5cm x 5cm); estimated weight 15-25 grams.
Description
A square silver-toned souvenir plaque featuring a relief of an Italian landmark. The item serves as a modest commemorative piece, capturing a popular architectural scene in a portable, affordable format common for mid-century travelers.
Key Features
Architectural relief, small suspension hole in the upper corner, and rectangular identifying stamps at the base of the image.
Material & Composition
Likely Silver Plate (EPNS) or a low-grade silver alloy (800 silver); the yellowing suggests brass bleed-through or heavy tarnishing.
Finish & Decoration
Machine-pressed or die-struck relief depicting an architectural scene, likely an Italian cathedral or cityscape. Satin-like background with polished raised elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The stamps at the bottom appear to include a registration mark and potentially '800' or an Italian lozenge-style maker mark, though they are too worn to be fully legible in the image.
Construction Details
Thin gauge metal sheet, die-stamped/pressed into a mold. Features a raised border and a puncture in the top left corner for suspension or mounting.
Functional Features
Single suspension hole for hanging; shallow relief that is strictly decorative.
Handle & Grip Details
None; flat plaque format.
Craftsmanship Details
Commercial grade; primarily machine-made with little to no evidence of hand-chasing or artisanal finishing.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of a lozenge stamp (standard for Italian silver since 1934) and typical thin-gauge construction for souvenir hollowware.
Origin & Manufacturing
Originating from Italy; manufactured using industrial stamping presses to produce high-volume tourist merchandise.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1950-1970); characterized by the rise of mass-produced travel souvenirs in Southern Europe.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960s based on the stamping quality and style of the souvenir trade.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII boom in European tourism and the democratization of silver-toned collectibles for the working-class traveler.
Condition Notes
Fair condition; significant surface oxidation and 'yellowing' (tarnish or base metal exposure), minor scratching, and softened detail due to wear/polishing.
Value Estimate
$10 - $25 USD depending on silver purity (melt value if 800 silver; nominal curiosity value if plated).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a mild non-abrasive silver cream; avoid harsh dips as they may damage the thin plating or low-purity alloy.
Similar Pieces
Italian micromosaic frames or die-struck silver charms; these differ in being higher quality and often having more intricate hand-finishing.
Interesting Facts
Items like this were often sold in 'Tabacchi' shops or small gift boutiques near major cathedrals like Milan's Duomo or Venice's St. Marks.