An Italian silver paper knife/desk seal, mid 19th century, possibly after designs by Michaelangelo Caetani (1804-1882) for Castellani, modelled as a saint with upswept wings forming the blade, wearing a tunic, hands raised in prayer and feet resting on a foliate decorated seal later engraved ‘MICHAEL’, with Papal States hallmark (in use between 1815-1870), and maker's mark for Rome, lozenge stamped ‘P122K’, contained in red leather case, length 20.7cm.
£300-£500

Michaelangelo Caetani had close ties with the Castellani firm of jewellers, founded in Rome in 1815 by Fortunato Pio. Both as a personal friend of the founder and his sons Alessandro and Augusto, and being from a noble Italian family, Caetani brought with him important patrons and business collaborations. Between 1829 and 1859 he was known to have contributed many designs for metalwork and jewellery.

“Paperknives, designed or personally carved by Caetani, were particularly popular items in the Castellani shop....The annual inventories of the Castellani shop usually list several examples in different materials... bronze, silver or wood”. (Soros & Walker).



Literature:
Susan Weber Soros & Stefanie Walker: Castellani and Italian Archeological Jewelry, pub. BCG YALE, 2004, pages 40-41.