Albergo Belvedere Appraisal

Albergo Belvedere Bassano Commemorative Ceramic Dish

This is a circular commemorative ceramic dish or ashtray produced for the Albergo Belvedere in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. The item is crafted from a cream-colored glazed ceramic, featuring a raised bas-relief design in the center. The central imagery depicts an ornate coat of arms featuring two lions rampant flanking a central tower, topped with a crenelated crown. Below the crest is a ribbon or scroll bearing the dates '1878-1978', flanked by the initials 'O.F.' and 'A.B.', suggesting this was a centenary anniversary piece produced in 1978. The name of the establishment, 'ALBERGO BELVEDERE BASSANO', is embossed in an arching font above the crest. The glaze is a glossy off-white with reddish-brown or sepia tones used to accentuate the recessed areas of the molded design, a technique often seen in mid-to-late 20th-century Italian commercial ceramics. The dish appears to be in good vintage condition with no visible cracks or large chips, though there is a slight yellowish patina consistent with age and typical minor surface wear. The craftsmanship is indicative of high-quality hotel ware intended for guest use or as a souvenir, likely produced by a local ceramic manufacturer in the Bassano region, which is famous for its pottery traditions.