Description
Overview
A refined vintage Italian solid 800 silver rectangular hinged desk box, attributed through its hallmarks to Florentine silversmith Antonio Fallaci. Its subtly brushed, cross-grained exterior, low architectural profile and clean, understated surfaces reflect the restrained elegance of mid-century Italian silver design. A substantial-looking yet discreet decorative object suited to a desk, vanity or collection of Italian silver.
Maker, Origin & Hallmarks
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Maker: Antonio Fallaci, Firenze (Florence), Italy
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Maker's registration: 356 FI (FI is the official abbreviation for Firenze; sometimes mistaken for FL in photographs)
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Silver fineness: 800 / 1000 solid silver, as stamped in an oval hallmark
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Period: Mid-to-late 20th century, circa 1970s attribution; exact year not documented
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Origin: Florence, Italy
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Object: Rectangular hinged silver desk / keepsake / trinket box
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Inventory reference: SP-SD-018
The two silver marks photographed along the inside rim are read as 800 and 356 FI. The latter is listed for Antonio Fallaci of Via D. Ammanati 5/R, Florence, whose workshop registration dates to 24 October 1960. The historical directory records the workshop as still active at the end of 1971. A registration date establishes when a mark was allocated, not the manufacture date of this individual box. A five-pointed star, if present and confirmed on the actual mark, would be consistent with the Italian hallmarking format introduced in 1968.
Solid Italian Silver
Unlike silver-plated decorative boxes, this example is marked 800 silver, an established Italian silver standard indicating 800 parts silver per 1,000 parts alloy. It should not be confused with 925 sterling silver: the correct marked fineness here is 800/1000. The hallmark provides the basis for the material description; no separate laboratory assay has been undertaken.
Design & Construction
- Form: Low rectangular box with a fitted hinged lid
- Material: Solid 800/1000 silver, hallmarked
- Exterior: Fine linear brushed / cross-grained texture across the lid and sides
- Interior: Smooth, reflective silver-coloured finish
- Style: Minimalist mid-century Italian decorative silver
- Use: Collectible desk box, keepsake box or small accessory holder
- Dimensions and weight: Not yet provided; please request measurements before purchase
- Included: One silver hinged box only
Collector's Notes
Florence has a longstanding heritage of decorative silverwork. The maker's documented Florentine registration and the clearly stamped 800 silver fineness distinguish this piece from unmarked or plated desk accessories. The broad brushed surfaces and low rectangular construction give it a notably modern, almost architectural presence.
Condition
Vintage, previously owned condition with visible light scuffs, handling wear, patina and some signs of age around the edges and interior, consistent with the detailed photographs. Not presented as new or unused. Please study all images, including close-ups of the 800 and 356 FI hallmarks, for a precise understanding of its condition. No original packaging or documentation is stated as included.
Hallmark Reference
Maker registration researched against the Italian Silversmiths Directory — Florence, numbers 341–509. The specific production year remains an estimate rather than an independently documented date.
Authenticity, Shipping & Care
421Luxury guarantees an honest description of this vintage collectible and its visible marks. Carefully packed and shipped from Turin, Italy, with signature-required delivery where available. Clean gently with silver-appropriate products and avoid abrasive treatment of the brushed finish. Please contact us for additional measurements or photographs.
