Pastry basket - .800 silver - cristallomolato/turquoise

Antipasto tray / Centerpiece in 800 silver and cut crystal with turquoise - Castaudi & Gautero (3 VC) - Vercelli, Mid-1900s
Description: Refined serving basket (or table antipasto) of Italian manufacture from the mid-20th century, composed of a rich pierced mount in solid silver and an original heavy-cut crystal insert. The silver supporting structure features four feet in foliate motifs and an elegant mobile handle, finely worked with scrolls and openwork in a neobaroque style. The central part of the handle presents a setting that houses a precious turquoise cabochon, a chromatic detail of great value typical of the company’s most sought-after creations. The inner crystal basin has on the bottom the classic geometric star motif, ideal for reflecting light. The object is regularly stamped on the mount with the mark "800" inside an oval (which certifies the silver fineness) and with the lozenge "3 VC", a famous identifying mark of the historic firm Castaudi & Gautero of Vercelli (the province’s third registry number, synonymous with the highest Italian silver quality).