*RARE 1939 New York World's Fair Italian Pavilion Cobalt Blue Vase, Bag, Matches For Sale

Up for sale is an exceptionally rare and complete historical grouping from the magnificent Italian Building at the 1939–1940 New York World's Fair. Designed by architect Michele Busiri Vici, the Italian Building stood as one of the architectural marvels of the fair - featuring a towering 200-foot high structure topped by a 33-foot statue of the goddess Roma, with a massive waterfall cascading down its steps that was dedicated to inventor Guglielmo Marconi. Surviving mementos from this pavilion, particularly in this condition and with associated ephemera, are seldom seen on the market.

This curated museum-grade set includes:

1. The Cobalt Blue Souvenir Vase: Measuring 4.5" x 2.5", this vibrant cobalt glass vase features crisp, hand-applied white enamel decoration depicting the grand Italian Building facade on one side and delicate floral motifs on the reverse. Unlike many surviving examples where the white enamel registration is sloppy or smeared, this piece features exceptionally well-centered, crisp, and aligned detailing. Condition is excellent, with zero chips, cracks, or structural damage. NOTE: The white bit at the bottom is a bit of Artifact Tack to prevent the vase being knocked over in my display - I will remove this before shipping.

2. Original Italian Handicrafts Shop Souvenir Bag: The rare wraparound paper bag from the pavilion's handicraft shop, featuring repeating green graphics of the pavilion and text reading "Italian Pavilion New York World's Fair 1939-40" and "Handicrafts Shop - Firenze - Milano - Made in Italy." It shows expected folds, wrinkles, and some age patination commensurate with its 87-year history. It measures approximately 8.5" x 4.25" unfolded (flattened for display as photographed). Finding this fragile bag surviving alongside the vase is an extraordinary rarity.

3. Italian Line Restaurant Matchbook: A clean, vintage matchbook advertising the Italian Line Restaurant in the Italian Pavilion ("Linking All Continents"). The matchbook is clean with crisp graphics and retains its matches, though missing one row.

An extraordinary capsule of mid-century international exposition history, perfect for advanced World's Fair archives, art glass collectors, or mid-century ephemera connoisseurs.

• Era: 1939 New York World's Fair

• Country of Origin: Italian Pavilion

• Measurements (Vase): 4.5 inches height by 2.5 inches width

• Condition: Vase is Mint/Excellent (no chips or cracks); Bag shows authentic 87-year-old folding/wrinkling, patination; Matchbook is clean and intact. (as described).