House outlets of Medici Perfume Funnel Pair Florence Italy

In Florence Italy, one family of silversmiths has spent generations celebrating Italia through their craft. This is not the only matched pair of funnels made by Fratelli Coppini, but in all my years of collecting, this is the very first time I've found a pair intact. In this perfume funnel pair, they celebrate the House of Medici and the ancient Grand Duchy of Florence. The House of Medici began in textiles, conquered Banking, and ruled the Grand Duchy of Florence for the better part of two centuries. The family produced four popes and two queens of France. Along the way, they were Patrons to some of the finest artists of the Italian Renaissance.

The better part of two centuries later, apprentices to the Coppini smithy would hone their skills forming perfume funnels. Each piece was small, requiring few material resources, but rich in the skills required of a silversmith. In the end, their work was inspected by a master. Unacceptable examples went back into the crucible, and the apprentice tried again. Over time, perfume funnels became a signature of the Coppini family of craftsman.

This pair of perfume funnels is perfectly matched in size and dimension, with identical cast brass handles. Only the featured design is unique: One funnel features the fleur de lis flowered, symbol of Florence Italy. The other features the House of Medici coat of arms.

Coppini perfume funnels are a little wider at the top than most, leading to fewer splashes or spills. This pair is moonlight brass (pale, nearly a soft silver in tone). Each funnel is 30 mm tall (just over 1 inch) and 30 mm wide outlets at the lip of the basin. Together, they weigh 11 grams. Both basins have slight discoloration where some fool decided to test for silver content... Because when you're holding antiquities in your hand, determining "scrap value" is definitely the way to go!  I apologize for the sarcasm... but can you imagine??  Barbaric.

Please take your time with the photos and consider them part of the description. Let me know if you have any questions and feel free to check out the many treasures available in my shop!