Sterling Silver filigree Maltese Cross brooch pendant Italy

Description

Magnificent Sterling Silver filigree Maltese Cross brooch pendant.
Pre-loved. This is an amazing Vintage collectors piece.
Locking C clasp securing the brooch works well.
The Brooch has a bar at the back so that it can also be worn as a pendant.
Very large Size: 8.2cm or 3.25".  Weight 14 grams.
Handmade in Vicenza Italy by Mingardi Danilo.
Hallmark * 1044 VI in a polygon shape and 925 in an oval cartouche shape. Danilo Mingardo opened in 1983 and closed in 2023. www.silvercollection.it/SILVERSMITHSVI1.html .
Chain sold separately.
The Laws 30 January 1968 (Legge 30 gennaio 1968 n. 46) and 30 December 1970 n. 1496 (D.P.R. 30 Dicembre 1970 n. 1496) introduced new hallmarks for silver and precious metals. The mark was modified to a polygonal shape and a star was added on the left.
Numbers and Province letter were maintained. Purity degree 925, 835 and 800 per thousand were allowed and inscribed into an oval outlined mark. This system is still in use today.