$400.00 USD
This exquisite antique Imperial Russian silver kiddush cup and matching saucer form a beautiful matched pair of Judaica, crafted in the late 19th century during the reign of Tsar Alexander III. Both pieces are made in solid 84 zolotnik silver (875/1000 purity, equivalent to .875 fine silver), showcasing the high-quality craftsmanship typical of Moscow silversmiths under strict Imperial assay regulations.
The kiddush cup (becher) features intricate hand-engraved decorations around its body: stylized floral and foliate designs with leaves, berries, and vines; a prominent panel with a large triangular or architectural motif framed by ornamental flourishes; and additional botanical patterns. It has a slightly flared rim, tapers to a rounded base, and includes a decorative zigzag border near the top.
The saucer (base/plate for the cup) displays elegant Victorian-era detailing with floral engravings around the rim, interspersed with geometric patterns and a central blank medallion. The rim bears a later Hebrew memorial inscription: "לזכר עולם לש"ב הנכבד חיים ישראל שרייבער ממשפחת חתן סופר תשי"ב," translating to "For an eternal remembrance of the dear Chaim Yisrael Shreiber from the Chatan Sofer family in 1952" (Hebrew year תשי"ב = 5712/1952). This indicates the saucer was repurposed or engraved as a family memorial decades after manufacture, adding deep cultural and sentimental value.
The pieces complement each other stylistically with shared floral/botanical themes, making them an ideal set for kiddush on Shabbat, holidays, or as a display collectible.
Origin: Moscow, Imperial Russia (now Russia). Both pieces were assayed in the Moscow assay office.
Age: Cup: 1880 (dated via hallmark). Saucer: 1885 (dated via hallmark), with the Hebrew engraving added in 1952.
Material: Solid 84 zolotnik silver (875/1000 fineness) for both items. This was the standard Imperial Russian silver purity, valued for its durability and historical authenticity.
Condition: Good antique condition, with authentic age-related patina, and light surface scratches/minor wear from over 140 years of gentle use. Engravings (including the Hebrew inscription) remain sharp, clear, and legible. No dents, breaks, cracks, repairs, or restorations noted on either piece.
Hallmarks:
Cup (on base):
- Assayer's mark: Cyrillic "АК" (A.K.) above "1880" — Andrey Antonovich Kovalsky (Андрей Антонович Ковалский), documented Moscow assayer (active in the period, with marks appearing on items into later decades per archival records).
- Fineness: "84" (84 zolotnik / 875/1000).
- City mark: St. George on horseback slaying the dragon (Moscow assay office standard pre-1899 reforms).
- Additional small stamp: Resembling a "1" or inverted "V" (likely a worker's/production mark; common and authentic).
- Assayer's mark: "A.R" in Cyrillic (likely Alexander Romanov or similar, active ~1885).
- Date: "1885".
- Fineness: "84".
- City mark: St. George slaying the dragon (Moscow).
- Maker's mark not legible.
Dimensions of cup: 2" tall × 1.75" widest diameter
Weight of cup: 0.9 oz (27 g)
Dimensions of saucer: 3 3/8" diameter
Weight of saucer: 1.2 oz (35 g)
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