Imperial Russian 84 Silver Sugar Tongs, St Petersburg, circa 1908–1917

149€

Elegant Imperial Russian silver sugar tongs with decorative floral motifs, a polished curved handle and contrasting rectangular gripping ends, one smooth and the other with a raised pyramidal pattern. Hallmarked with the 84 silver standard, the St Petersburg assay mark and the maker’s initials “AK”, possibly Abraham Kiiveri.

Origin: St Petersburg, Russian Empire
Date: Circa 1908–1917
Silver: 84 zolotnik (875/1000)
Maker’s mark: AK
Weight: 48.1 g
Dimensions: 13.3 × 3.3 × 2 cm

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Description

A finely crafted pair of antique Russian silver sugar tongs, dating to the early 20th century and bearing hallmarks associated with the St Petersburg Assay Office.

The tongs feature an elegant spring-form construction with gently tapering arms, a smoothly rounded central bend and decorative floral details near the base of the handles.

The gripping ends are rectangular and deliberately different in design. One has a smooth, slightly curved surface, while the opposite end displays a distinctive pattern of raised pyramidal projections, designed to provide a secure grip on sugar cubes.

The polished silver surface and restrained ornamental decoration reflect the refined craftsmanship of Russian domestic silverware of the late Imperial period.

HALLMARKS AND MAKER

The interior bears the maker’s mark “AK” and the Russian 84-zolotnik silver hallmark (875/1000).

The assay mark incorporates a female head in a kokoshnik, the number 84 and a Greek alpha, identifying the St Petersburg Assay Office. This type of mark was introduced in 1908 and remained in use until 1926.

The maker’s initials “AK” may correspond to Abraham Henrikson Kiiveri, a silversmith born in Finland in 1850 who was registered as a master in St Petersburg from 1883. However, this attribution remains tentative, as the initials alone are insufficient to establish the maker’s identity conclusively.

These tongs are attributed to the Russian Imperial period, circa 1908–1917, although the assay mark itself remained in use beyond 1917.

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT

Length: 13.3 cm
Width: 3.3 cm
Height: 2 cm
Weight: 48.1 g
Silver standard: 84 zolotnik (875/1000)

CONDITION

Antique condition with surface scratches, light wear and traces of patina consistent with age and use. The internal surfaces show a warm tone, with some tarnishing visible around the decorative details. Please refer to the photographs.

An attractive and practical example of early 20th-century Russian silver tableware, suitable for a collection of Imperial Russian silver or traditional tea accessories.