This exquisite antique kiddush cup is a fine example of early 20th-century Russian silver craftsmanship. The cup features a classic tapered beaker shape with a slightly flared rim and a smooth, polished interior. The exterior is adorned with hand-engraved floral motifs, including stylized wheat sheaves or tulip-like flowers framed in rectangular panels, bordered by dotted and zigzag patterns for added texture and detail. The engravings exhibit skilled chasing work, with subtle shading to enhance the botanical designs. The base bears two distinct hallmarks: an oval lozenge containing "84" (silver purity), a small delta symbol (indicating Moscow), a left-facing woman's head in kokoshnik headdress (assay mark), and the assayer's initials "И.Л" (Ivan Lebedkin); and a square maker's mark with "А.Е" (likely Cyrillic for A.E., possibly attributing to silversmith Aleksandr Eduardovich or a similar maker active in the period, though exact identification may require further expert verification).

Material: Solid silver, hallmarked 84 zolotnik (equivalent to 875/1000 purity, or .875 fine silver).

Origin: Russian Empire, specifically assayed in Moscow. The hallmarks indicate production under the Imperial Russian silver standards, with the assay mark from the Moscow district office.

Age: Circa 1899-1908, based on the kokoshnik hallmark featuring a woman's head in traditional headdress facing left (used in this orientation until 1908). The assayer's mark "И.Л" (I.L in Cyrillic) corresponds to Ivan Sergeevich Lebedkin, who served as assayer in Moscow from 1899 to 1915, but the left-facing head narrows it to pre-1908.

Condition: Very good antique condition with age-appropriate patina and minor surface scratches from use. No major dents, repairs, or structural issues; the engravings remain crisp and well-defined. The cup stands stably and holds liquid without leaks.

Item dimensions: 1 7/8" tall × 1 5/8" at widest diameter

Weight of item only: 0.7 oz (19 g)  

Styled With

Russian Imperial 84 Zolotnik Silver Engraved Kiddush Cup, Moscow circa 1900

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