Museum quality Imperial Russian silver-gilt Napkin ring St. Petersburg c 1907

A museum quality Imperial Russian silver-gilt and cloisonné enamel napkin ring, tactile and heavy with superb workmanship. Struck on the rim with the maker's mark and the combined koloshnic mark for the gold standard of 88 zolotnics and the initials of the Assay Master. 88 zolitnics is the higher Russian silver standard, invariably a sign of quality, and equates to 916.6 parts per thousand silver, just a smidge below the sterling standard of 925.

The box is a fine thing in its own right, Elegant oak construction the interior lined in velvet and silk. Inscribed in gold below the Imperial Double Eagle:'Pridvornyy Fabrikant. Alexander Benediktovich Lyubavin was a Russian silversmith and merchant who was active in the 1850s.

Heinrichsen at 2 Grafsky Lane. In 1907 the firm was passed on to his son, Nikolai Alexandrovich Lyubavin, who was a Court silversmith active 1893 - 1917. Wonderful little gem in pristine condition, with no losses to the enamel and lustrous silver gilt. Impressive weight, quality and condition.

One or two tiny hairline cracks to a couple the white enamel beads, only visible with 10 x magnification. Nikolai Alexandrovich Lyubavin c 1907. Assay Master: Yakov Nikolayevech Lyapunov. 36 x 54 x 40mm. I have many stunning pieces of collector's silver in my shop, please look at my other items.

I aim only to list antique silver items that are without damage, repair, alteration or undue wear. My silver pieces are ideal as special gifts, for collectors, for investors, or for resale by dealers.

I provide clear descriptions and photos. The silver is photographed in flat natural light, but silver is so reflective that black spots from the camera and other reflections are sometimes unavoidable. Please check the dimensions of the object carefully as apparent size can be deceptive. Bank details provided on request. Sizes, weights etc are all approximate.

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