Grissini Wagon - Majolica Pottery

Name: Grissini Wagon
 
Type: Majolica Pottery Grissini Wagon Holder
 
Year: Mid-20th century (likely 1950s–1970s)
 
Set: No
 
Mark: Majolica Pottery - Marked “MAJOLICA POTTERY Hand Painted” with the number 418; this is characteristic of Italian majolica wares, commonly from regions like Deruta, Italy.
 
History: This item is a novelty majolica pottery breadstick (grissini) holder, hand-painted and crafted in the shape of a rustic wagon, complete with a stylized barrel marked "GRISSINI." The circular mark on the base, “MAJOLICA POTTERY Hand Painted,” alongside the number 418, indicates small-batch Italian studio production typical of the mid-20th century. The overall style, color palette (warm browns, yellows, and creams), and subject matter are consistent with Italian tourist ceramics produced post-WWII for export.
 
 
The piece is utilitarian yet whimsical, meant to hold and present breadsticks at the table—a nod to the Italian tradition of serving grissini with meals. The hand-painted decoration and rustic charm make it appealing to collectors of Italian majolica or mid-century novelty ceramics.
 
 
There is a minor glaze flaw or faint crack (visible in the base photo), which slightly affects value but is not unusual for hand-produced majolica.
 
 
Due to its playful design, hand-painted details, and functional use, such pieces usually attract buyers looking for vintage Italian tableware or kitsch kitchen collectibles. Value can reach the higher end if no chips or cracks are present and decoration is vivid.
 
Flaws: Small crack at the bottom of wagon