AN ITALIAN ROYAL GILT-COPPER AND SILVER-MOUNTED HOLY WATER STOUP
Lot 15

AN ITALIAN ROYAL GILT-COPPER AND SILVER-MOUNTED HOLY WATER STOUP

PROBABLY BY GIUSEPPE NEPOTE (MASTER 1702-1753), CIRCA 1740

Closed12 July 2012

Price Realised

GBP 18,750

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AN ITALIAN ROYAL GILT-COPPER AND SILVER-MOUNTED HOLY WATER STOUP
PROBABLY BY GIUSEPPE NEPOTE (MASTER 1702-1753), CIRCA 1740
The central silver plaque centred by the dove of the Holy Spirit and stamped twice to the left side; further identical stamps behind the lid of the silver stoup; the reverse indistinctly engraved, the support of the suspension loop engraved 'Ss 6(?)15-'; minor wear to the gilding; four drill holes suggest that further silver elements may be lacking; repairs
13 in. (33 cm.) high, overall

The collections of the Italian Royal Family.
Umberto II of Italy by whom given to Lord Forte.

Specialist note

The silver hallmark seen here was, confusingly, used by at least three successive Roman silversmiths, Giuseppe Nepote (master 1702-1753), Domenico Gabriele Mariani (master 1753-56) and Gregorio Spinazzi (master 1759-74). To determine which of these was responsible for the present lot depends on the correct identification of the camerale mark. In this instance it appears to correspond to the year 1742. See C. Bulgari, Argentieri Gemmari e Orafi d'Italia, Rome, 1980, I, p. 22.