Italian, 800 Silver, Shell-Shaped Case/Pill Box by Alfredo Ridi of Florence

*PLEASE NOTE that while the case opens and closes with a click, there is still give to the lid (It does not close tightly.) when the case is closed. I do not believe it will open of its own accord, but this could be an issue at a later time owing to wear.

This Italian 800 silver case (pill box, relic holder, ring holder) in the shape of a shell measures approximately 1 ¼" x 1" at its widest point.

The maker's mark, appearing next to the 800 silver hallmark, is 236 Fl, with Fl denoting Firenze (Florence). The silversmith associated with the number 236 is Alfredo Ridi.

I am dating this as circa 1950s since the marks reflect this time period, and the maker's mark of the silversmith was entered in the 1950s.

According to silvercollection.it:

The Law 26 October 1944 n. 313 (Decreto Legislativo Luogotenenziale 26 Ottobre 1944 n. 313) ordered the elimination of the 'fascio' (symbol of 'fascism') maintaining into the lozenge only the number (identification of the silversmith) and the two letters (initials of the Province).
The Laws 30 January 1968 (Legge 30 gennaio 1968 n. 46) and 30 December 1970 n. 1496 (D.P.R. 30 Dicembre 1970 n. 1496) introduced new hallmarks for silver and precious metals. The mark was modified to a polygonal shape and a star was added on the left. Numbers and Province letter were maintained.

*PLEASE NOTE that while the case opens and closes with a click, there is still give to the lid (It does not close tightly.) when the case is closed. I do not believe it will open of its own accord, but this could be an issue at a later time owing to wear.

Thank you for looking.