Silver
Dating Florentine Silver by Grand-Ducal Assay and Workshop Marks
Date Florentine silver by Grand-Ducal assay marks of 1832–1872, the Arte della Seta lion punch, and later FI workshop numbers used after 1934.
Ceramics
Italian Majolica vs Maiolica: Tin-Glaze Terms Explained
Majolica or maiolica? How collectors should use the terms for Italian tin-glazed earthenware, Faenza’s faïence link, and what Victorian majolica is not.
Ceramics
Bitossi Pottery Guide: Aldo Londi & Rimini Blu Ceramics
Identify Bitossi ceramics from Montelupo: Guido Bitossi 1921, Aldo Londi’s Rimini Blu from 1959, Sottsass collaboration, and archive clues for collectors.
Ceramics
Lenci Pottery Guide: Turin Art Deco Figurines & Marks
Identify Lenci ceramics from Turin: 1919 founding, 1928–36 Art Deco figurines, artists, marks, and how Musei Reali collections frame authentic pieces.
Furniture
Venetian Mirror Identification: Murano Glass Frames & History
How to identify antique Venetian mirrors: Murano crystal glass, tin-mercury backing, glass frames, and what separates later copies from Venetian work.
Porcelain
Richard Ginori Marks: Doccia Porcelain Dating Guide
Identify Richard Ginori and Doccia porcelain marks from Museo Ginori bands: stars, crowns, SCRG, three-star stamps and Sesto Fiorentino codes.
Textiles
How to Identify Cantù Lace by Tombolo Grounds and Workshop
Identify antique Cantù lace by bobbin construction, cartina pinholes and classic grounds. Separates handmade Lombard work from machine imports.
Jewelry
The Shell Cameos of Torre del Greco
Torre del Greco cameos are layered helmet-shell carvings. Date them by Cassis colour, burin work, gold or 800 silver mounts, and later tourist copies.
Decorative Arts
Italian Scagliola in Carpi and Tuscany, 1600–1800
Italian scagliola from Carpi and Tuscany, 1600–1800: gypsum inlay technique, workshop practice, and how collectors distinguish it from pietra dura.
Ceramics
Faenza Maiolica Identification: Berettino, Bianchi and Marks
Identify Faenza maiolica by berettino glaze, bianchi di Faenza painting, VR FA and DO PI workshop marks, and later faience lookalikes.
Silver
Neapolitan Silver Hallmarks: NAP, Parthenope & Workshop Marks
How to read Neapolitan silver hallmarks: crowned NAP guild dates, French Parthenope punches, Bourbon 7/8 with N/E, and maker initials.
Prints
Dating Antique Italian Maps by Imprint, Paper and Colour
Collectors date antique Italian maps by imprint, paper and plate mark, from sixteenth-century Lafreri sheets through Magini, Coronelli and Zatta.