Origin: Imperial Russia, possibly St. Petersburg or Moscow based on similar assayer marks documented in those cities; however, one hallmark appears to be an eagle, pointing to Warsaw (part of the Russian Empire at the time) or similar provincial centers like Minsk or Kamenetz-Podolsk, where eagle marks were used. Warsaw was a key hub for Jewish silver production in the Pale of Settlement, but the assayer initials do not match the standard documented assayer for Warsaw in the 1880s (Józef Sosnkowski with О.С). The piece reflects the blend of Russian silversmithing with Jewish iconography common in these regions.
Age: Circa 1870-1894 (primarily aligned with the assayer's active period; cup hallmarks suggest late 1870s-1880s, possibly 1880-1889 based on ambiguous date elements). This places the set in the late Imperial period, before the 1899-1908 hallmark reforms that introduced the kokoshnik mark.
Material: Solid silver, hallmarked 84 zolotnik purity (equivalent to 875/1000 or .875 fine silver, the standard Imperial Russian measure—84/96 parts pure silver, typically alloyed with copper for durability). No gilding or other materials present.
Condition: Good to very good antique condition overall, with age-appropriate wear consistent with over 130 years of use and handling. Engravings on both pieces remain sharp and detailed. Minor surface scratches, patina, tarnish in recesses, and subtle dents are present, adding authentic vintage character—no major dents, repairs, structural issues, or restorations evident. Interiors and bases are well-preserved, with normal silver oxidation. The set displays beautifully as-is or can be lightly polished.
- Central mark: "84" indicating 84 zolotnik purity (.875 fine silver).
- Left of the 84: Assayer's initials in Cyrillic "И.К" (И on left, К on right; possibly an unidentified or provincial assayer, referenced in some sources like Postnikova-Loseva associations around 1874-1878 in major cities, though exact match unclear due to wear).
- Accompanied by year mark: "1880" or "1889" (last digit blurred but consistent with 1880s formats).
- Above the 84: Square-shaped hallmark (likely maker's mark; details indistinct, possibly initials or symbol common for individual artisans).
- Right of the 84: Possibly an eagle (town mark, potentially indicating Warsaw, Minsk, or Kamenetz-Podolsk under Russian rule; however, wear may cause misidentification—could alternatively align with other provincial or major city variants if not eagle).
- Maker's mark: "Ц.Г" in Cyrillic (Ts.G in Latin; enclosed in cartouche; not definitively matched in standard references like Postnikova-Loseva, but likely a lesser-documented silversmith with corresponding initials).
- Assayer's mark: "И.Е" (Cyrillic for I.E) above a rubbed-off date (likely last two digits of year, e.g., 70-94). Identified as Ivan Vonifatiyevich Yevstigneyev (Иван Вонифатиевич Евстигнеев), assay master active in St. Petersburg (and some records note Moscow associations) during 1870-1894 (or specifically 1875-1882 in Moscow per some sources; configuration here supports St. Petersburg).
- Purity mark: "84" indicating 84 zolotniks (875/1000 fineness).
- City mark: Unclear symbol to the right (likely St. Petersburg's coat of arms: two crossed anchors and scepter; wear obscures details but consistent with period standards).
Item dimensions of cup: 2 5/8" tall × 2 1/8" diameter
Weight of cup: 1.9 oz
Item dimensions of saucer: 4 1/8"diameter
Weight of saucer: 2 oz
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