Michelangelo Caetani Sold at Auction Prices

A SILVER WINGED ANGEL PAPER KNIFE, AFTER DESIGNS BY MICHELANGELO CAETANI (1804-1882) FOR CASTELLANI,

A SILVER WINGED ANGEL PAPER KNIFE, AFTER DESIGNS BY MICHELANGELO CAETANI (1804-1882) FOR CASTELLANI, PROBABLY ROME MID 19TH CENTURY the upswept conjoined wings forming the blade, the handle as the angel with arms crossed over the breast, Papal States mark and maker's lozenge apparently reading F22F 17.5cm long In his book 'Castellani's Castellani and Giuliano, Revivalist Jewellers of the 19th century', Geoffrey Munn quotes from a letter written by one of Castellani's English customers, Harriet Countess Granville, to her brother, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, from Rome: "The novelties here are now things made from designs by Michelangelo Caetani - there are leaf openers, one an angel, another a devil. Castellani makes them in silver a hundred francs each." (Geoffrey Munn, Castellani and Giuliano, Revivalist Jewellers of the 19th century, London 1984, plates 39-40). These angel and devil paper knives appear to have been produced in a number of variants, in boxwood and ivory, as well as in silver. Descriptions in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports and all lots are sold as viewed. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in good condition. Prospective bidders are recommended to request a condition report prior to bidding, wherever possible satisfying themselves in person at the gallery as to the condition of a lot.