Posted 12 years ago
vetraio50
(756 items)
I am still trying to figure out exactly when and where I bought this cigarette case. I know for sure it was over twenty five years ago. I remember showing it to a Russian woman who had a dry-cleaning business nearby for her opinion. She was not really impressed because it was not Fabergé. In those days anything Russian was not esteemed here at all.
But what had appealed to me was the engraved Cyrillic letter on the front of the case. I believe it is an old Cyrillic "I". Actually I am relying on my memory here. I've been searching recently for a list of Russian engraved letters on the net, but to no avail. If anyone can help me here I would appreciate your input.
I have another query and that is about the hallmarks on the inside of the case. there are two marks on inside of each lid. One is the maker's mark: two Cyrillic letters 'GS' . I know now that those are the marks of Grigory Sbetnayev, Moscow from 1893.
The other marks is in an elongated oval and here is the problem: the right hand edge of the mark has been deliberately ground by a tool. It looks like it was done by a professional hand, not just a rough and crude gouge.
This strikes me as strange.
What is left to one side is the part face of the Kokoshnik mark and a tiny Greek Delta (?).
It was only today that I noticed the Delta. Thanks to this great site, I know that the Delta refers to an assay office. In this case it is Moscow.
http://www.925-1000.com/Frussia_kokoshnik_01.html
"In 1908 was introduced a new mark with a more detailed female head facing right and silver fineness expressed in zolotnicki inside an oval oblong cartouche. The left side was inscribed with the town/region symbol."
http://www.silvercollection.it/dictionarykokoshnik.html
But why obliterate the Kokoshnik mark and the number indicating the fineness of the silver? As well the gilding, the gold wash has been placed over the obliterated marks. Is it a post Revolution piece?
I know now that the case must be after 1908 when the second version of the Kokoshnik mark was introduced. It should be also be earlier than 1926 when the Imperial mark was no longer used.
I like the cabochon ruby inserted into the opening mechanism as well. The original bands are there as well although one is no loner attached as shown.
Very neat piece V. I have been to the Soviet Union once and Russia once. Very different experiences at the same place! I did buy a bunch of cool posters the first trip but they are in some black hole at my Moms house. I have done some splunking but to no avail. When I get home I will post some of my souveniers.
Many thanks Amber and Sean.
I had an idea you were a speleologist, Amber!
Primal!
Haha V. I just dig into junk. I'd rather climb a mountain than go below one.
I'll just go and hide in the cave/shed!
Shed = really really good junk. You would be toast ; )
Many thanks inky!
Many thanks slVe to the G, ozmarty and Hornet too!
Many thanks Hansel, micmac, czechman and musikchoo too!
Many thanks mrmajestic1!
Many thanks Phil!
Many thanks Marc!
Many thanks kerry!
Many thanks Budek!
You know, I've seen other Russian sterling pieces that have had the mark deliberately ground out. More than a few too. Its kind of a mystery, I'm not sure why that would be done? What would they be trying to hide? I bet theres some information on this somewhere online.
Great piece though. The Russian antique market is hot right now, lots of millionaires over there. It would probably do well on eBay
Many thanks Stillwater!
I'll let you know if I come across more info..
Many thanks toracat!
Many thanks Manikin!
love this one!
Many thanks mikie!
Many thanks Amy!
A belated thanks and apologies to l.a.lady!
Many thanks musikchoo!
A bit late comment,i.e.question;can you edit the post and show close up of both Kokoshnik and maker`s mark? (4 pictures allowed - meaning one is to be removed).
Hi Ivan, sure.
Many thanks AE8Jason Kev!
Hi Ivan! I've put another picture in.
By the way, could you comment on the Cyrillic letter on the front of the case?
I still don't know if it is an "I" or not!
Many thanks mustangtony!
Many thanks Poop!
Many thanks undreal!
Many thanks petey
Many thanks otiamaria!
Many thanks MANIKIN!
Many thanks for the loves TOM31675!
Many thanks NUTSABOTAS 'n BELLIN too!
Many thanks ROYCROFTBOOKSFROMME!
Many thanks POPS!
Many thanks AGHCOLLECT!!!!
Many thanks NUTSABOTAS & MRSTYNDALL .
Many thanks VALENTINO !!!!!!
Many thanks SINNOMORE & COLLECTABLES59 !!!!
Many thanks HUNTERQLEE !!!,!!!!,!!!
Many thanks NEWFLD !.!!.!
This is the Russian letter ?. Read as V. Like for Vladimir. It'll make sense if you position it horizontally with the opening towards the top.
I see it didn't take the Cyrillic letter. It looks just like the Latin letter B.
Many thanks KOSTINA !!!!
Not too late to comment,I hope.
Destroyed marks are discussed here:
https://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=55963
Many thanks IVAN for that comment. I’m off to look. Thanks for the love, RICHMONDLORI !.!!.!.!!.!