This set of ornate baroque style utensils is beautiful and intriguing. Measuring about 7 inches each is boldly marked “Italy” on the reverse of the handle terminal. Interestingly they are not written in the same direction and upon closer inspection it seems they are written by different people, most notably the “Y”, with the spoon having a 2 stroke unsymmetrical “Y, and the fork being a symmetrical 3 stroke “Y”. Additionally each letter has slightly different lines to it.
I’m guessing it to be high grade pewter, with more of a tin, rather than lead content. They definitely appear dinged up as soft pewter might, but I’ve personally not seen such a good shine on pewter before. There seems good evidence of being hand made. There is a wide fluctuation of thickness through out each piece, and the holes through are varied in design, with no two being an identical shape. There is one, and occasionally 2 facets of vertical striations on the edges, which sometimes switch directions and tilt.
The terminal has what appears to be 2 lions surround the same pattern of 6 dots used in the bowls, and at the shoulders of the bowls is a male figure with a long mustache. A crown is at the drop into the bowl as well as at the terminal. The stem is a more indistinguishable filigree pattern with sections that are completely open. The spoon weights 2.2 ounces and the fork, 1.8.
I’m also guessing this pair was made around the turn of the 20th century. Knowing Italy wasn’t a unified country until 1870 or so, it seems more likely if it was prior to that time that the local state / regional name or personal mark would have been used. Knowing also that though it’s not a hard fast rule, most items made after about 1920 or so typically include “Made In” before the country name.
I do have a theory that this set was not made together, but combined later. The decoration on these two pieces, though seemingly identical do have variances that might be indicative of a latter run, most telling is the difference of the quality / wear in the man’s face on the shoulder, and the 6 raised dots between the lions.
Comments, suggestions, corrections?
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I have gained two sets of these from a family member , we know nothing about them or their possible value. Do you have any other information?
ReplyDeleteThe only other info i can pass along is that this set sold for $23.62 (including Shipping).
ReplyDeleteAre these worth any money
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