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Parasol Mediterranean coral, silk, Chantilly lace, ivory, gilt metal and wood
Second half of the XIX century
De Simone Fratelli
Collection
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A new period of struggle and sacrifices was about to begin. During the war, trade in coral and precious stones was in sharp decline. Only in 1943, with the landing of American troops in Italy, did the so-called “cascettari” (travelling salesmen of coral and cameos) gave a new impulse to the business: unsold cameos and corals from the stores were put in small wooden presentation boxes and were displayed in the street to American soldiers. The marines liked these little souvenirs, which they bought as presents and this in turn helped business to resume its normal pace. |