The salt cellar is of rounded, almost spherical form, with an open upper rim and a flat circular base. The exterior is richly decorated with an engraved and nielloed cityscape extending around the body, depicting churches with onion domes, bell towers, historic buildings and stylised trees.

The composition is framed by ornamental borders with fine geometric engraving. Around the upper edge is the Cyrillic inscription “ВЕЛИКИЙ УСТЮГ” (Veliky Ustyug), identifying the city represented in the decoration.

The dark niello ornament contrasts elegantly with the polished and engraved silver surface. The interior retains its gilt finish, creating a warm golden contrast with the silver exterior.

Historical background:

Veliky Ustyug, in northern Russia, is one of the historic centres of Russian silversmithing and niello decoration.

The local tradition of silver niello work developed particularly strongly during the 18th and 19th centuries and continued through the Soviet period. Veliky Ustyug craftsmen became renowned for their finely engraved silver objects decorated with black niello, frequently depicting architectural landscapes, historic monuments and ornamental compositions.

Niello is a traditional decorative technique in which engraved recesses in the metal are filled with a dark metallic compound, producing a characteristic black design against the silver background.

The present salt cellar reflects this regional artistic tradition through its detailed depiction of Veliky Ustyug’s architectural heritage.

Material:
Silver, niello decoration, gilt interior.

Marks:
Soviet 875 silver standard hallmark and additional maker’s mark on the underside. The precise maker has not been confirmed.

Origin:
USSR, Veliky Ustyug tradition.

Period:
20th century, Soviet period.

Dimensions:
Height: 4.2 cm.
Width: 5.5 cm.
Depth: 5.5 cm.

Weight:
66.3 g.

Condition:
Age-related surface wear, minor scratches and partial wear to the interior gilding, particularly around the upper rim. The niello decoration remains clearly visible. Condition is shown in the photographs.

The post Soviet Silver Niello Salt Cellar with View of Veliky Ustyug, 875 Silver first appeared on Antique weapons, collectibles, silver, icons, bronze, swords, daggers...

The bowl is made of clear cut crystal, richly decorated with geometric star-cut, fan-cut and diamond-cut patterns. The crystal body is fitted with a silver rim and an ornamental silver band decorated with repeated leaf motifs. On each side there is a shaped silver handle with floral and scrolling decoration, giving the piece an elegant table-service appearance.

The silver mount bears Soviet silver hallmarks, including the 875 silver standard in the characteristic spade-shaped hallmark used circa 1927–1954. A maker’s initials mark is also visible, but the exact workshop should be confirmed by direct hallmark reference, as the mark is not fully clear from the photographs.

Mounted crystal bowls of this type were used on the formal table for sweets, fruit, preserves, nuts or small delicacies. The combination of finely cut crystal and silver mounts reflects the continuation of refined table silver traditions into the Soviet period.

Material:
Cut crystal, 875 silver mounts.

Marks:
Soviet 875 silver standard, spade-shaped hallmark, circa 1927–1954.
Maker’s initials mark.

Origin:
Soviet Union.

Period:
Circa 1927–1954.

Dimensions:
4.5 × 15.5 × 12 cm.

Weight:
Total weight: 420 g.

Condition:
Age-related wear, light scratches, patina and oxidation to the silver mounts, minor rubbing and traces of use. Small chips or surface marks to the crystal may be present. Hallmarks are visible on the silver band. Condition is shown in the photographs.

The post Soviet Cut Crystal Bowl with 875 Silver Mounts and Handles first appeared on Antique weapons, collectibles, silver, icons, bronze, swords, daggers...

A small Soviet silver-gilt scent bottle or miniature perfume flask of flattened form, fitted with a short chain. The compact shape and decorative gilded surface make it an attractive small silver object for collectors of Soviet silver, perfume accessories and decorative personal items.

The body is decorated with engraved floral ornament and has a warm gilded surface. The surface shows age-related wear, dark oxidation, rubbing to the gilding and visible scratches, consistent with use and age.

The piece is marked with the 875 silver standard and a Soviet head hallmark. The assay office letter is not clearly readable from the photographs and should be checked under magnification.

Origin:
Soviet Union.

Period:
Mid-20th century.

Type:
Scent bottle / miniature perfume flask.

Material:
Silver-gilt, 875 standard.

Technique:
Silverwork, gilding, engraving.

Decoration:
Engraved floral ornament and chain attachment.

Marks:
875 silver standard with Soviet head hallmark. The assay office letter is not clearly readable from the photographs.

Dimensions:
5 × 4.5 × 1 cm.

Weight:
17.9 g.

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

The post Soviet Silver-Gilt Scent Bottle with Chain, 875 Standard first appeared on Antique weapons, collectibles, silver, icons, bronze, swords, daggers...