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

Spectacular 800 silver chess set from the historic Florentine silversmithing firm Bartolini e Bartolozzi, Florence. The set comprises 32 knights in pure silver (800 FI 215) attributable to the aforementioned historic company. The knights' bases are in alabaster and onyx; the board is in lapis lazuli and alabaster, supported by a base in gilded silver stamped 800 FI. The condition is excellent; a few pieces show signs of time but are overall in very good condition. I note that this is truly a work of art, a jewel of another era. I highlight that each knight is hand-engraved; every face and armor is hand-engraved, each piece 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 tracked and insured, and the packaging will be artfully protected for safe transport. The firm 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 the creation of luxury art objects and decorative pieces, often drawing inspiration from historical styles (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque) to satisfy the taste of international collectors. Their chessboards are iconic because they combine jewelry-making (for the silver and bronze pieces) with the Florentine comisso 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 previous international auction listings.