Good design has a way of holding its own—even after a rather busy social life. This 18-piece silver-plated service by Gio Ponti for Fratelli Calderoni features the distinctive Parco dei Principi pattern, with tapered handles and subtly scalloped ends.
The set includes six dinner forks, six dinner knives, and six spoons: three pieces for each of six place settings. Its restrained decoration brings character to the table without requiring the china to compete for attention.
Marked Calderoni Argentato, these pieces show considerable evidence of use, particularly the knives. Offered with their wear fully acknowledged, they provide an opportunity to collect an enduring Italian design, supplement an existing service, or create a deliberately eclectic table.
Measurements
Dinner knives: 9 × 1 inches (22.9 × 2.5 cm)
Spoons: 8.5 × 1.75 inches (21.6 × 4.4 cm)
Dinner forks: 8.25 × 1.25 inches (21 × 3.2 cm)
Measurements are approximate, listed as length × maximum width.
Includes six of each utensil: 18 pieces total, providing three-piece place settings for six.
Condition
Fair to poor vintage condition overall, with condition varying by utensil.
The forks and spoons are in fair condition, with surface scratches, minor plating loss, and scattered dark spots and surface irregularities. There is a dark divot on the back of one fork, and deep scratch on one spoon. Please see photographs.
The knives are in poor condition, with extensive scratching and small dents to the handles. The blades have pronounced abrasion, scratches, and damage along portions of the cutting edges. Please see photographs.
Please examine the photographs carefully, particularly the close-ups of the knife blades. This service is offered as found, with substantial wear reflected in the price. As a former hotel service for a prominent Italian property, this is an opportunity to an iconic part of design history.
History of the maker
Fratelli Calderoni was a Milanese manufacturer of metal tableware associated with Gio Ponti’s designs for dining and hospitality. Ponti’s Parco dei Principi flatware combines practical forms with a subtle classical flourish at the end of each handle.
The pattern is associated with the Parco dei Principi hotels furnished by Ponti.
Ways to use
Pair the forks and spoons with your favorite vintage plates for a relaxed Italian table, mix them with other silver-plated patterns, or use individual pieces to supplement an existing collection.
For an out-of-the-box idea, display a three-piece setting in a shadow box alongside a vintage Italian hotel postcard—a small tribute to the art of dining well.
Duty notice
The majority of our items are sourced in France and Italy and shipped from Italy. FOR BUYERS RECEIVING SHIPMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES: The policy regarding import duties on goods shipped to the U.S. from the EU has changed multiple times in the past two years, and therefore we cannot predict if you will have to pay a duty to your post man or at your post office to receive your package. We continue shipping to the U.S. so that you still have access to the unique items we source.