Bonbon basket - .800 silver - cristallomolato/turquoise

Antipastiera / Silver basket 800 (approx. 170g) and Cut crystal Molato (approx. 325g) with Turquoise - Castaudi & Gautero (3 VC) - Vercelli, Mid-20th Century
Description: Refined serving basket (or table antipastiera) of Italian manufacture from the middle of the 20th century, composed of a rich pierced silver mounting and an original insert in heavy, finely cut crystal. The silver supporting structure features four feet with foliate motifs and an elegant movable handle, finely worked with scrolls and openwork in Neo-Baroque style. The central part of the handle features a setting that houses a precious cabochon of turquoise, a chromatic detail of great value typical of the most refined works of the firm. The inner crystal tray bears on the bottom the classic geometric star motif, ideal for reflecting light. The item is regularly stamped on the mounting with the mark "800" inside an oval (certifying the silver fineness) and with the lozenge "3 VC", the famous identification mark of the historic Castaudi & Gautero of Vercelli (the third registry number of the province, synonymous with very high Italian silver quality).