Ugo Poggi Firenze Brushed Silver Plated Tray or Decorative Plate
Hollowware/Decorative Tray · Ugo Poggi Firenze. Founded in 1922 by Ugo Poggi in Florence, Italy, this prestigious retail house located on Via Strozzi is renowned for luxury porcelain, crystal, and silverware, catering to elite international clientele and high-society families.
Pattern: Modernist Minimalist; non-patterned contemporary line from the late 20th century.
Type
Hollowware/Decorative Tray
Maker
Ugo Poggi Firenze. Founded in 1922 by Ugo Poggi in Florence, Italy, this prestigious retail house located on Via Strozzi is renowned for luxury porcelain, crystal, and silverware, catering to elite international clientele and high-society families.
Material
Silver Plated over base metal (likely brass or nickel silver). The item is a luxury decorative object rather than solid sterling, as indicated by the 'L'Argento' (The Silver) branding on a retail sticker rather than struck hallmarks.
Dimensions
Estimated 25\u201335cm in diameter based on sticker proportions; weight likely ranges from 400\u2013700 grams depending on base metal thickness.
Description
A sleek, contemporary Italian silver-plated tray from the historic house of Ugo Poggi. This piece embodies the Florentine transition from ornate traditionalism to modern minimalism. The brushed surface provides a sophisticated, architectural feel that contrasts with the classical prestige of the Poggi brand name.
Key Features
Brushed satin finish, original Ugo Poggi Firenze retail label, minimalist circular or oval form, heavy-gauge construction.
Material & Composition
Silver Plated over base metal (likely brass or nickel silver). The item is a luxury decorative object rather than solid sterling, as indicated by the 'L'Argento' (The Silver) branding on a retail sticker rather than struck hallmarks.
Finish & Decoration
Linear brushed / satin finish. The surface lacks traditional engraving or repoussé, relying on the modern aesthetic of directional scratching to diffuse light and hide fingerprints.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No struck hallmarks visible in image. Features an oval adhesive retail label: 'Ugo Poggi - Porcellane, Cristalli, l\u2019Argento - Via Strozzi - Firenze' with a central 'UP' monogram and '1922' founding date.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or spun from sheet metal, finished with a mechanical abrasive to create the satin texture. Edge appears to be a simple rolled or finished rim.
Functional Features
Flat serving surface designed for use as a catch-all tray, decorative centerpiece, or plate for dry confectionery.
Handle & Grip Details
None visible; likely a rimmed plate or low-profile tray design.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial finishing. The uniformity of the brushed texture indicates professional mechanical application, typical of luxury boutique giftware.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the original Florentine retail sticker is a strong indicator of provenance. The absence of '925' or 'Lozenge' marks suggests it is a high-quality plated piece rather than solid sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
Florence, Italy. While Ugo Poggi is a retailer, they commission high-quality works from specialized Italian silversmithing workshops in the Tuscan region.
Era & Period
Modern / Contemporary (late 20th Century). The minimalist brushed finish is characteristic of Italian design trends from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1980-2000. The font and style of the adhesive sticker are consistent with late 20th-century luxury retail labeling.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Made in Italy' luxury boom where traditional retailers curated modern objects to fit the changing tastes of the European jet set.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. The image shows several deep surface scratches and scuffs that penetrate the brushed finish. No evidence of 'bleeding' (base metal showing through), though the tarnish level is low.
Value Estimate
$75\u2013$150 USD. Value is driven by the prestige of the Poggi name rather than silver melt weight.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid abrasive cleaners which will alter the directional brushed grain. Clean with a soft damp cloth and mild soap; use a liquid silver polish only if heavy oxidation occurs, rubbing strictly with the grain.
Similar Pieces
Brandimarte brushed silver trays (Florentine handmade), Alessi contemporary steel/silver trays (industrial design), or Tiffany & Co. brushed pewter/silver items.
Interesting Facts
Ugo Poggi's shop on Via Strozzi is considered one of the 'Historic Shops of Excellence' in Florence and has served as a purveyor of fine homewares for over a century.