I've had this item for about 9 years, but not sure if he got this prior to retiring from the Army in the 1960's (while in the army he traveled around the world several times).
This decanter is brass with crystal glass. It is 12 inches high, and 5inches wide. The handle is firmly secured to the
brass top, and there is a brass bottom...both with designs.
The handle also has a design. There is a cork stopper, with a brass surround and hoop. The silver circle on the bottom
states LAVORAZIONE A. MANO ARG 1000/1000 MADE IN ITALY, and it also has a picture of a male figure dressed in metal armour with tools/sticks in his hand. I don't know if the darker sections can be cleaned/polished for a uniform look.
I've just kept it on a back shelf in a glass cabinet.
Description
Category
Glassware and Crystal
Medium
brass/crystal
Distinguishing marks
silver round on bottom with name & ARG 1000/1000 also a male figure dressed in metal ?
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
12 inches high 5 inches wide
Date Period
unknown
Weight
unknown
History
My father had this among his belongings. When he passed away, he left household items to me, his daughter. He traveled the world, and I don;t know when or how he obtained this item.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
unknown
For Sale?
No
Photos
Re: crystal & brass decanter by Lavorazione A. Mano
Hi Natake,
I have a vase with the same information on the bottom with the same logo. Have you ever figured out where this is from??? The design in the crystal is slightly different and the imprint in the silver is slightly different but what you've described as wording and picture identification is exactly the same.
Jwade
Re: crystal & brass decanter by Lavorazione A. Mano
Hi Nataki, this is an Italian made piece - lavorazione a mano, means 'handmade. It wauld have originally been silver plated - ARG 1000/1000 means pure silver (argent 1000 parts to 1000 parts).
The item has been either cleaned my some well meaning yet foolish person after it came into your father's possession, or it was done before, and your Dad was sold 'a pup', or given it by someone.
You may be able to have it restored - a silversmith would know if the metal can be removed and replated. I'm not sure if it can, or if you like it how it is - great! I'm not sure of the age or when these were made. The style of the sticker (I have a similar one which is a vase/urn style), would lead me to believe it has fairly modern origins, as these things go. I'd like to find out more about them, as well.
Re: crystal & brass decanter by Lavorazione A. Mano
Looking more closely at the picture, yours may just be tarnished rather than rubbed away. I'd try cleaning it with a slice of lemen and see if the silver omes up. DO NOT USE SILVO, or any other metal polish. They're no good for plate.