Bartolini e Bartolozzi, Firenze - Chess set - Silver, Vermeil, Lapis Lazuli, Marble

Spectacular 800-silver chess set from the historic Florentine silversmiths Bartolini e Bartolozzi, Florence. The set consists of 32 knights in pure silver (800 FI 215) attributable to the aforementioned historic company; the bases of the knights are made of alabaster and onyx, the board is in lapis lazuli and alabaster supported by a base in 800 FI gold-plated silver. The condition is excellent, a few pieces show signs of wear but overall in excellent condition. I must point out that we are looking at a true work of art, a jewel of times past. Note that each knight is hand-engraved, all faces and armors are hand-engraved, each one different from the others, a mid-20th-century set. Similar sets are carefully found on the web at very high prices, also considering current metal prices and the engraving work. Shipping is traceable and insured, the packaging will be artisanally protected for safe transport. The company Bartolozzi e Bartolini, active in Florence in the 20th century (also known as Fabbrica Argenteria di B. Bartolozzi), was one of the excel­lences of Florentine craftsmanship. It specialized in creating luxury art objects and decorative accessories, often inspired by historical styles (Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque) to satisfy the tastes of international collectors. Their chessboards are iconic because they combine jewelry skills (silver and bronze pieces) with the Florentine inlay work or the inlay of hard stones (lapis lazuli, malachite, alabaster) for the board. I add that the sheer weight of the silver is about 5.5 kg, as mentioned in the records of prior international auctions.