This monumental table fountain was made in Italy during the mid 20th Century and is crafted from silver. The piece has been forged from 800 purity silver (Italian standard) in Milan, likely in the late 1960s. The piece is hallmarked for manufacture by 'Eugenio e Angelo Orefice' who were operating their workshop between 1955 and 1971. The silver hallmark for Milano which is present on this piece was only introduced in 1968, and the partnership of Eugenio & Angelo Orefice finished in 1971, allowing us to comfortably date the manufacture of this piece to between 1968 and 1971. The central section of the fountain depicts a seated figure of Neptune which towers above more depictions of Neptune, seashells, reeds, seahorses, crabs and octopuses. The piece has been recently polished and overhauled by our silversmith, however we have not had the pump wired or tested for use and the piece will require this to be done by its new custodians in order for the fountain to function. There have been several other examples of table fountains by Eugenio & Angelo Orefice which have passed through the hands of antique dealers and fine auction houses, however it is very likely that this example is the only fountain of its kind in Australia, and is most likely to be a unique piece. A monumental object which would be a true conversation piece in the home of a silver collector, or a focal point in a fine interior.
Marked - '800' for silver purity along with Milanese silver assay mark, '✭ 509 MI' & 'LAVORAZIONE MANO' (handwork/handmade)
Measures - 75cm L x 56cm W x 42cm H