When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Tested and Working: Unusual vintage Tre Spade figural fish pepper mill, made in Italy.This highly decorative pepper grinder is designed in the form of a koi/carp-style fish with a beautifully grained turned wood body and detailed silver-tone metal head, fins and tail.The grinding mechanism is visible through the fish’s open mouth and is marked “GARANTITO TRE SPADE,” confirming the Tre Spade mechanism.Tre Spade is a historic Italian manufacturer particularly known for pepper and spice grinding mechanisms. Comparable examples of this distinctive fish design have been attributed to mid-to-late 20th-century Italian production, and examples of the design have been described by specialty dealers as having been retailed by Gucci. This particular example does not bear a visible Gucci mark, so no direct Gucci attribution is being made.A particularly unusual piece of Italian tableware and an excellent display object for collectors of vintage tableware, Italian design, figural pepper mills, fish or nautical décor.Pre-owned vintage condition with age-appropriate patina, tarnish/oxidation, surface wear and minor marks to the wood and metal components. The wood body retains an attractive finish and grain. Fish fins, tail and other major components appear intact. Tre Spade mechanism is present inside the mouth and marked “GARANTITO TRE SPADE.” Please review all photographs closely as they are part of the condition description.• Manufacturer/mechanism: Tre Spade
• Marking: GARANTITO TRE SPADE
• Country: Italy
• Type: Figural pepper mill / pepper grinder
• Form: Koi/carp fish
• Materials: Wood and silver-tone metal
• Era: Vintage, likely mid-to-late 20th century
• Original grinding mechanism present
• Highly detailed metal fins, head and tail
• Attractive natural wood grainApprox. 8" L × 3" W; weight approx. 12.8 oz (363 g). Please see measurement photographs.Please see photographs for exact condition, markings and construction. The mill is being sold as a vintage collectible. Unless specifically tested immediately before shipment, no guarantee is made regarding the performance of the grinding mechanism.
