Antique Russian Silver Tankard

This exceptional and rare antique Russian silver tankard has a subtly tapering cylindrical form onto angular dovetail feet.

The surface of this imperial pint* tankard is embellished with two engraved decorated scenes: firstly, depicting a collection of dignitary figures being waited on with a campsite style setting and secondly children aiding directions to further adult characters within a rural town; it can be determined that such a frieze of figures relates to a historical event or folklore.

These two impressive scenes are segmented with an engraved interlacing knot design to either side of a geometric bordered cartouche, displaying the contemporary engraved initials ‘KL’ and inscription 18 September 1874.

The body of the tankard is further embellished with parcel gilt ornamentation in addition to applied bands of reed decoration.

The upper and lower portions of the tankard are ornamented with engraved opposing geometric borders.

This antique Russian silver tankard retains the original hallmarked hinged cover encircled with a suspended pierced decorated gallery style rim in addition to
further engraved geometric decoration, reflecting that of the body.

The upper plateau of the cover is fitted with an applied linear strip accented with three faceted rivet style designs, terminating with a scrolling thumbpiece surmounting the hinge.

This imperial pint tankard is fitted with a C shaped handle with a scrolling lower terminal.

This impressive tankard is supported by eight dovetail style feet, reflecting the angular nature of the engraved ornamentation.

The interior of the tankard retains the original gilding.

The hallmarks struck to the underside of this antique Russian silver tankard include:
Maker’s mark: EL (untraced)
Assay mark: ??, 1872 (???? ???????????? ??????????/Ivan Vonifatiyevich Yevstigneyev)
Silver quality/purity mark: 84 (84 zolotniks**)
City Mark: St Petersburg, Russia
This exceptional and rare tankard is the finest of its type you could hope to acquire.
* Imperial quart = 0.5 Imperial Quart/568 Millilitres
** 84 zolotniki is equivalent to 875/1000 or .875 standard silver

Condition
This antique Russian silver tankard is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.
The applied decoration is all very sharp and the engraved ornamentation is very crisp.
The Russian hallmarks struck to the underside of the tankard and interior of the cover are all very clear; the hallmarks are struck deeply due to the exceptional gauge of silver.

Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this exceptional example of antique silverware.

Dimensions
Length from back of handle to rim 15cm/5.9″
Width 9.7cm/3.8″
Height 14.8cm/5.8″

Weight
19.5 troy ounces/605g

Date: 1872
Origin: St Petersburg, Russia
Maker: Untraced Maker’s Marks.