In 1282, leather tanners and artisans established the Arte dei Cuoiai (Leather Workers Guild) in Florence, Italy, to enforce strict quality controls and protect manufacturing processes. By that time, tanning and the production of leather goods were already ancient crafts in Northern Italy; the Etruscans and the Romans understood the basics of vegetable tanning and employed leather widely in dress, armaments, transportation, and construction. While ancient tanneries came to exist all over the Italian peninsula, the area along the Arno River between Florence and Pisa was then, and is today, the center of Italian production. Our ornate late 19th century leather desk set was most likely made there, although its predominantly silver and red Rococo decoration is rather more Venetian than Florentine in spirit. It was possibly a commissioned piece or meant for sale in Venice. Our set comprises a double fold-out writing surface, a pen holder with two ink wells and a blotter. If made for personal use, there would have originally been more pieces as such desk sets tended to be large. If made for commercial use, such as a hotel register, it is most likely complete. Condition: Good with expected use wear. Dimensions: Writing surfaced closed, 15" x 12" , open 30" x 12", Pen holder/inkwells, 12.75" x 6.25" x 4" , Blotter, 5" x 3" x 2.25".