The spoon has a rounded bowl, a long twisted handle and a small shaped terminal. The bowl is finely engraved with floral and foliate ornament arranged around a central circular reserve. The decoration combines dense engraved foliage, stylised blossoms and a structured ornamental border, giving the piece a refined late 19th-century Russian table silver character.

The form and size suggest use as a jam or preserve spoon, suitable for serving jam, berries in syrup, fruit preserves or other sweet accompaniments to the tea table.

The handle bears Russian silver hallmarks, including the 84 zolotnik standard and the date 1891. The maker’s mark appears to read “M.S.” / “МС”, Maria Semyonova, a known Moscow silver and enamel maker active in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Material:
Silver, engraved decoration.

Marks:
Russian 84 zolotnik silver standard.
Date: 1891.
Maker’s mark probably M.S. / МС, Maria Semyonova.

Origin:
Russian Empire, probably Moscow.

Period:
Late 19th century, 1891.

Dimensions:
Length: 17.7 cm.

Weight:
40.5 g.

Condition:
Age-related wear, light scratches, rubbing, patina and traces of use. Hallmarks are visible on the handle. Condition is shown in the photographs.

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A fine Russian silver spoon decorated with niello and engraving, made in Moscow in 1872. The spoon is struck with the 84 zolotnik silver standard, Moscow assay mark with St George, assay initials “В.С” with date 1872, and a maker’s mark, probably “ЕМ” or similar, as read from the photographs.

The bowl is richly decorated with a niello architectural town view set within a shaped cartouche. The surrounding surface is engraved with foliate ornament and geometric borders. The reverse of the bowl and the handle are also decorated with architectural motifs, leaf ornament and patterned niello-style decoration.

The combination of engraved views, dark niello contrast and finely worked ornamental borders is characteristic of Russian silver souvenir and decorative spoons of the Imperial period.

Origin:
Russian Empire, Moscow.

Period:
1872.

Type:
Silver niello spoon.

Material:
Silver, 84 zolotnik standard.

Technique:
Silverwork, engraving, niello decoration.

Decoration:
Architectural town views, foliate ornament, geometric borders and niello details.

Marks:
Moscow assay mark with St George.
84 zolotnik silver standard.
Assay initials “В.С”, dated 1872.
Maker’s mark probably “ЕМ” or similar, as read from the photographs.

Dimensions:
Length: 16.6 cm.

Weight:
60.8 g.

Condition:
Age-related wear, patina, oxidation, rubbing, surface scratches and marks. The condition is shown in the photographs.

The post Russian Silver Niello Spoon with Architectural Views, Moscow, 1872 first appeared on Antique weapons, collectibles, silver, icons, bronze, swords, daggers...

A Russian Orthodox icon depicting the Smolensk Mother of God, also known as the Hodegetria type, with the Mother of God holding the Christ Child close to her. The painted icon is set beneath a silver oklad, leaving the faces and hands visible.

The silver oklad is finely embossed and engraved with stylised drapery, geometric borders and ornamental corner motifs. The halo is decorated with an openwork pierced border, giving the icon a particularly refined appearance. The reverse is covered with textile.

The oklad bears Moscow assay marks for 1883, 84 zolotnik silver standard, the mark of assayer Viktor Savinkov, and the maker’s mark ЛЕГ. The maker’s mark is recorded here as read from the object; the full identification of the master is not confirmed.

Origin:
Russian Empire, Moscow.

Period:
1883.

Subject:
Smolensk Mother of God / Hodegetria.

Material:
Painted icon, silver oklad, textile backing.

Technique:
Oil painting or tempera on panel, repoussé, engraving, piercing, silver mounting.

Decoration:
Embossed and engraved silver oklad with ornamental border, stylised drapery, openwork halo and corner motifs.

Marks:
Moscow assay marks for 1883.
84 zolotnik silver standard.
Assayer Viktor Savinkov.
Maker’s mark ЛЕГ.

Dimensions:
18 × 15 × 2.5 cm.

Weight:
284 g.

Condition:
Age-related wear, patina, oxidation, rubbing, surface marks and wear to the oklad and painted areas. Textile backing with age-related staining and wear. The condition is shown in the photographs.

The post Russian Icon of the Smolensk Mother of God with Silver Oklad, Moscow, 1883 first appeared on Antique weapons, collectibles, silver, icons, bronze, swords, daggers...