What was the fineness of Russian silver before 1700?
Russian Silver Before 1700 there was no systematic control over silver marking and it was only with Peter the Great that a “silver standard” was set and Assay Offices established in all major cities. The standard for Russian silver is measured in zolotniks: the most common fineness is 84, corresponding to 875/1000 standard.
What kind of silver is used in Russia?
Enamel is the most distinctive feature of Russian silver: multicolour cloisonné, champlevé, plique-a-jour and the peculiar niello can be found on a variety of items such as cigarette cases, tea services, tankards, beakers and kovshes (traditional Russian drinking vessels).
What was the name of the Russian silver assayer?
After 1908 the mark changed, the head facing right and the assayer’s initials replaced by a Greek letter representing the city in which the assay office was located. This system continued until the Revolution. Russian Imperial silver is very appreciated for its quality and peculiar style, often sober in design but finely decorated.
What kind of jewelry is from the Russian Empire?
Antique Russian Rock Crystal and 56 Gold Egg Pendant . A Pair of Russian Silver and Rodonite Candle Holder. Antique Russian Faberge 14K 5.5ct. Emerald, 1.5ct. Diamonds Enamel Ladies Ring Silver coffee pot. Russian Empire (Russia), St. Petersburg, year 1875. Rarity!!! Russian Empire gilded Brooch 84 Silver K.FABERGE design
Where did the tradition of Russian hallmarks come from?
Russian standardized hallmarking, as we know it today, stems from a 1700 ukaz or decree of Tsar Peter the Great (1672-1725). While in the process of reforming the Russian monetary system, Tsar Peter I’s silver assay charter fixed the production of silversmiths to four standard silver purities: 96, 90, 84 and 62 zolotniki.
What was the most common silver mark in Russia?
Athough 88 & 91 zolotniki were sometimes used on higher quality work, 84 zolotniki is the most commonly seen silver standard used in Russia throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Example of 19th Cent. Russian Hallmarks or standard mark, and a town mark.
What was the minimum standard of silver in Russia?
As from 1798, the 84 zolotniki (.875) standard replaced 72 zolotniki as the legal minimum standard. Athough 88 & 91 zolotniki were sometimes used on higher quality work, 84 zolotniki is the most commonly seen silver standard used in Russia throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Example of 19th Cent.
Where does the Greek letter go on a Russian silver mark?
As from the second kokshnik mark of 1908, the import mark’s face is turned right and the Cyrillic letter superseded with a Greek letter indicating the assay office, in this case the delta for Moscow.
