1883-1890 Antique Italian A&D GROTESQUE SERPENT Salter EXQUISITE MUSEUM QUALITY ITALY PIECE *RARE A&D MARKING* Start Price USD 3,000.00 Current Price USD 3,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, November 04, 2008 End Time Thursday, December 04, 2008 Location Dallas, TX. See more about '1883-1890 Antique Italian A&D GROTESQUE SERPENT Salter' Description 1883-1890 Antique Italian A&D GROTESQUE SERPENT Salter This auction is for a STUNNING, MUSEUM QUALITY, ANTIQUE ITALIAN ART POTTERY SALTER from the studio of AGOSTINELLI & DAL PRA dating back to the 1880's! The mark is very unusual, as that it was done backwards by the artist. At first I could not figure out the mark when I purchased this piece a couple of years ago, so I consulted with Walter Del Pellegrino, who has written several wonderful and very informative books on Italian marks. Here is what he told me, "This can be one and only one factory, Agostinelli & Dal Pra, on page 57 of ITALIAN POTTERY MARKS FROM CANTAGALLI TO FORNASETTI. I stongly beleive that it is very early A&D. Several clues lead me to this conclusion. The lack of export marks, (numbers & letters). Also, the magnificent artistic quality of the piece screams A&D at its best and I mean its very best. This was probably made between 1883 and 1890. The mark probably appears totally backward because the artist was illiterate. Don't forget that this was 1883 and very few Italians could read or write at this time, (as you can read about on page 24) and only 2% of the population was literate. The artist was probably copying the letters on a page that was upside down and he or she would have never realized the error. This is a rare, beautiful example of an early A&D ceramics from one of Nove's most famous factories. When I put out my expanded edition of the book (expanded, revised and all errors removed) I am going to include this in my new version." He also says, " It is a Salter, or sometimes called an open salt. Before salt shakers bacame popular in Europe, salt was kept in a bowl. Yours happens to be one of the more elaborate, and one of the largest I've seen. The reason your open salt has a handle and a stem was so that the centerpiece could remain in place while the bowl was passed from person to person around the table thus the expression Pass The Salt Please". What a fabulous piece for the eyes to enjoy it is. I have had the pleasure of enjoying it these past few years, but now it is time to let someone else enjoy it! It would be the focal point wherever displayed! It is just Gorgeous!!  It measures about 12" in diameter, and stands about 10" tall with the salter bowl in place, the salter bowl measures 5" tall not including the stem. It appears to have originally had 3 handles on the salter, but 1 now, and has been smoothed down where the other 2 handles used to be so you can barely tell unless really looking. Very well covered up. I am offering FREE SHIPPING at the Buy It Now price! Any questions, please feel free to ask! I accept Paypal, but prefer personal check, cashiers check or money order. I can only accept INTERNATIONAL MONEY ORDERS from INTERNATIONAL BUYERS, NO PAYPAL. I have been a victim of fraud in the past, and it was very costly and I must protect myself from this happening again. I will provide tracking when payment has cleared and item is shipped. Thanks & Blessings! I will generally contact the winning bidder within 24 hours after the auction closes. Please don't make a payment until you have received my email. It saves a lot of confusion! I will use the zip code you have on file with eBay to get your shipping cost. I accept Paypal, check or money order. Please reply to my email within 3 days. Payment or contact MUST be made within 7 days (preferably sooner), or the item will be offered to the under bidder or re-listed, and negative feedback left. I am always happy to combine shipping when at all possible to save on shipping costs! So be sure to see my other listings! Just click on the link! View My Other Items For Sale   I try describe an item to the best of my ability. So items are sold as is & with no returns, so be sure you know what you are bidding on. I am always happy to answer any questions! I want this to be a pleasant experience for both of us!!! Have a Blessed Day & Happy Bidding!!! If you have any questions or concerns, please ask Before bidding. I welcome any and all inquiries! I do my best to describe an item to the best of my ability, so all items are sold as is. Most of the items I carry are hand made and/or hand painted, and any imperfections are characteristic of the Artists hand made work. Which only add charm & individuality! I try to keep a constant Italian theme at my auction listings! Due to my heritage, I have a passion for Italian art! Items that are actually made in Italy, will state "MADE IN ITALY in the description. If not, they are Quality repro's from your higher end stores. I have many very happy buyers...many repeat buyers! I Love repeat happy buyers! I want your experience to be a pleasant one so that YOU will return too! See my feedback & bid with confidence! Thanks & Good Luck on all your eBay Bids! = ) If you have any questions, please email me through the ebay ask seller a question link. If you are new to eBay, PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCIPTION BEFORE BIDDING, and if you have any questions PLEASE ASK BEFORE BIDDING! Place a Bid!