Russian Silver-Gilt Swing-Handled Basket, 84 Zolotnik

Description

A Russian silver-gilt oval swing-handled basket or serving dish, marked with the 84 zolotnik silver standard.

The basket is of oval form, raised on an oval foot and fitted with a high hinged swing handle. The body is decorated with fine beaded borders along the rim and lower edge, while the interior retains rich gilding. The handle is embellished with chased foliate ornament to the upper grip, adding a refined decorative accent to the otherwise elegant neoclassical form.

The underside bears Russian silver hallmarks, including a maker’s initials mark and the 84 zolotnik silver standard. The 84 zolotnik mark corresponds to high-grade Russian silver, approximately 875/1000 silver. The exact maker should be confirmed by direct hallmark reference, as the initials are not fully clear from the photograph.

Such silver-gilt baskets and serving dishes were used on the formal table for sweets, fruit, pastries or small delicacies, combining practical service function with decorative presentation.

Material:
Silver, gilt interior.

Marks:
Maker’s initials mark.
Russian 84 zolotnik silver standard.

Origin:
Russian Empire.

Period:
Late 19th – early 20th century.

Dimensions:
With raised handle: 21 × 26 × 20 cm.

Weight:
841 g.

Condition:
Age-related wear, light scratches, small surface marks, minor rubbing to the gilding and traces of use. Hallmarks are visible on the underside. Condition is shown in the photographs.