Sugar bowl - Shell, Silver

Elegant and distinctive caviar service made using a large natural shell, characterized by splendid Mother-of-P pearl reflections in white, cream and pink tones.
The shell has been worked and transformed into a refined serving bowl, with a punched metal rim along the opening and small metal support elements.
On the rim there are two punches, visible also in the close-up photographs. One appears compatible with a silver mark/punch, while the second is partly worn and it was not possible to identify it with certainty. For accuracy, the exact fineness and the possible silversmith are therefore left to the expert’s assessment.
The service is accompanied by its mother-of-pearl spoon, traditionally used to serve caviar.
The natural surface of the shell presents a beautiful iridescence and chromatic variations typical of mother-of-pearl, which make every angle different.
The object shows signs of time and use, particularly on the metal rim, with patina and normal superficial traces. The shell appears overall well preserved. Please study the numerous photographs carefully, which are an integral part of the description and show details, conditions and punches.
A refined tabletop and collection piece, particularly decorative, suitable for a silverware collection, mother-of-pearl objects, tableware and vintage caviar-service accessories.
Materials: natural shell / mother-of-pearl, punched metal, mother-of-pearl spoon
Item: caviar service / bowl
Accessories: mother-of-pearl spoon
Conditions: good vintage condition, with patina and signs of use consistent with age
Stamping/Punching: present on the metal mounting, photographed in detail