Russian Silver & Niello Enamel Beaker - Antique 1839

Description

This antique Russian silver beaker has a tapering cylindrical form with a flared rim.

The body of this antique beaker is embellished with niello enamel symmetrical scrolling leaf ornamentation accented with floral motifs.

The ornamentation to the surface of the beaker incorporates two circular cartouches; one side is illustrated with a soldier in a grand military uniform on horseback and the other features a decorative ship with elevated sails, each with city scenes to the background.

The upper and lower portions of the body are encompassed with bands of niello enamel decorated borders.

The hallmarks struck to the underside of this fine antique beaker include:

Maker's Mark: AK (Alexander Nordert Gotkovski/Александр Нордерт Готковский)

Assay mark: Н. Д 1839 (Nikolay Dubrovin/Николай Дубровин)

Silver quality/purity mark: 84 (84 zolotniks*)

City Mark: St George slaying the dragon (Moscow, Russia)

* 84 zolotniki is equivalent to 875/1000 or .875 standard silver

Read a brief history of silver beakers