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First, I would like to say hello to all members as it is my first post here.
I have inherited this silver tray and it is actually my first ever piece of Russian silver. There are 3 hallmarks on the back, but I cannot distinguish them since I am not used to Russian silver hallmarks. The only one I know about is the Russian silver standard 84. Does anybody know the date or maker?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
Are both handles bolted?
That`s very unusual, especially the bolt over the mark (the assayer).
No marks on handles, right?
I find this very suspicious.
Regards
Indeed a bit strange marking, riveted trough the hallmark etc. ???? Outlook is not exactly Russian...Looks like made in Moscow before 1882 but the maker's mark is unreadable. What is the master's name in the very long mark (???КЧУIIIНИКОВЪ ???KCHUSHINKOV, ???) with three III in the middle or is it Ш? It doesn't look like Ш or Щ. Agree with AG2012, suspicious object.
Could be authentic mid 19th century tray but handles are definitively repaired.
They are never riveted but soldered. When detached from the tray, soldering is possible but very demanding task. Namely, the entire tray should be heated and it`s much easier to use rivets.
Congratulations on your rare and beautiful heritage!
Early Russian tablets in this size, quality and condition are not often seen - the manufacturer is even rarer! The handles were installed afterwards, which can be seen on the other style / pattern and the type of fastening - probably for reasons of comfort.
Many, many thanks for your inestimable help. I am not a silver collector and my knowledge about antique silver is very limited.
AG2012: Yes, both handles are bolted, each one with four rivets
After a closer inspection, it seems that the handles are a later addition, I totally agree with Goldstein. It is not a small tray (41x33 cms without handles), and without handles it would be quite uncomfortable to manage. Handles are very well fixed to the tray, but do not look to be soldered or to be part of the tray itself. I have more silver trays, although not so old, and handle fixing is completely different. According to your opinions, I suspect one of the rivets was unfortunately set over the assayer’s mark and the mark was lost forever.
There are no more hallmarks on the handles, but there is what seems to be an old reparation (see red arrows), and the tray looks quite old (but as said I am not an expert)
Once more many thanks for your help. I am more than happy with all provided info.
