Αλατιέρα - Ασήμι 84 ζολότίνκι - 1867 - Ρωσία/Μόσχα - Ντιμίτρι Αλεξάνδροφ

Imperial Russian 84 Zolotniki Silver Gilt Salt Cellar/Bowl - Moscow 1867

The salt cellar is of circular form, raised on three ball feet, and is exceptionally solid and heavy for its compact dimensions, weighing 75.8 grams.
The exterior is richly decorated with a continuous Pan-Slavic style geometric and stylised foliate ornament, characteristic of Russian decorative arts of the second half of the 19th century. The contrasting silver, gilt and darkened details give the ornament considerable depth and definition.
The interior retains a warm gilt finish, while the exterior shows attractive contrasting gilding and naturally developed antique patina. The piece has a particularly pleasing, substantial feel in the hand and demonstrates the quality of Moscow silversmithing of the period.

Hallmarks
The salt cellar bears a complete set of Imperial Russian silver marks:
• Maker's mark “Д.А” – for Dmitry Aleksandrov (Дмитрий Александров), Moscow silversmith, Postnikova-Loseva No. 2401 - see photo No 12
• Assayer's mark “В.С / 1867” for possible makers:

Savinkov Viktor (1855-1888)
Savinsky Veniamin (1862-1875)
Savinsky Viktor (1859-1894)

• “84” zolotnik silver standard, corresponding to approximately 875/1000 silver.
• Moscow city hallmark depicting St. George slaying the Dragon.
• An additional 84 silver standard mark is struck on the upper rim - see photo No 2
The hallmarks are illustrated in detail in the photographs No 5-6.

Diameter: 7.0 cm., Height: 2.7 cm., Weight: 75.8 grams

Condition
Very good antique condition considering its age of more than 150 years.
The salt cellar retains attractive gilding together with a naturally developed historic patina, particularly within the recessed decoration. There are normal minor traces of age and use, including light surface wear and scratches. No personal monograms. No obvious major dents or damage.
From an old European collection.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and accurately show the condition, decoration and hallmarks of the object.

Historical note
This salt cellar was made in Moscow in 1867, during the reign of Emperor Alexander II, at a period when Russian silversmiths increasingly incorporated traditional Russian and Pan-Slavic decorative motifs into objects intended for sophisticated domestic interiors. The combination of a dated Moscow assay mark, identified maker, substantial silver weight and richly executed decoration makes this an attractive example of Imperial Russian 19th-century silverwork.

Shipping Information: To Europe via DPD curier. I do not ship to Israel ! Local pickup is not available.