This beautiful early 20th century bronze and metal jewelry box is worked in the round and faithfully represents the model of the famous Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

A generously sized and well detailed live like architectural model made of metal and burnished bronze with several very detailed decorations and elaborately cast in low relief, showing the sculptural friezes and medieval facade on this most celebrated landmark in Florence. The Florentine famous palace resembles the shape of a castle featuring the upper part with the clock tower that opens to reveal a useful storage compartment perfect for jewelry. The solid and cubical building’s model, one of the most important symbol of Florence, rests on a black lacquer wood socle base. This whimsical item is a highly decorative box, the perfect casket, a jewelry box or a tea caddy as well. It is also a one-of-a-kind model to add to your collection or to exhibit in your showcase; as well as unusual eye catching centre piece collectibles. Very good vintage condition.

History: Built in 1299 on the project made by Arnolfo di Cambio, the architect of the Duomo and the Santa Croce church, Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace) is now the town hall of Florence. The cubical building is made of solid rusticated stonework that is enhanced by the simple tower with its clock. The tower is named after its designer Torre d'Arnolfo. Palazzo Vecchio was the Medici's official reseidence. Duke Cosimo I de' Medici (later to become grand Duke) moved his official seat to the Palazzo della Signoria in May 1540, signalling the security of Medici power in Florence. When Cosimo later removed to Palazzo Pitti, he officially renamed his former palace to the Palazzo Vecchio, the "Old Palace". The palace gained new importance as the seat of united Italy's provisional government from 1865–1871, at a moment when Florence had become the temporary capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Although most of the Palazzo Vecchio is now a museum, it remains as the symbol and center of local government; since 1872 it has housed the office of the mayor of Florence, and it is the seat of the City Council. The tower currently has three bells, the oldest was cast in the 13th century.

DIMENSIONS: H 11.82 in. x W 6.7 in. x D 5.12 in. / H 30 cm x W 17 cm x D 13 cm