Interesting Russian object

[martako]

Hello all,

I have this very interesting silver object with Russian hallmarks. I am guessing it is some type of a stand for a writing set, perhaps for fountain pens? I am attaching the photo of the object, unfortunately I do not have a decent photo of the hallmarks now which is located on the side/rim of the stand. It has an assayer's mark dated to 1873 and belongs to Ivan Vonifatiyevich Yevstigneyev. The maker's mark has unrecognizable initials (looks like I E but not sure). It also has the standard 84 mark and the Moscow city mark. I believe the marks are genuine, but I do not recognize the form of the object. If anyone is familiar with it, I would appreciate your comments. I will try to upload the hallmarks once I can.

best

[martako]

Here it is. Any opinion is appreciated.

Thanks

Hello all,

I have this very interesting silver object with Russian hallmarks. I am guessing it is some type of a stand for a writing set, perhaps for fountain pens? I am attaching the photo of the object, unfortunately I do not have a decent photo of the hallmarks now which is located on the side/rim of the stand. It has an assayer's mark dated to 1873 and belongs to Ivan Vonifatiyevich Yevstigneyev. The maker's mark has unrecognizable initials (looks like I E but not sure). It also has the standard 84 mark and the Moscow city mark. I believe the marks are genuine, but I do not recognize the form of the object. If anyone is familiar with it, I would appreciate your comments. I will try to upload the hallmarks once I can.

best

[Qrt.S]

Now we are getting somewhere. The maker's mark is to the left but unfortunately I cannot decipher it, What two (?) letters do you see?
The other mark shows the assayer, who is Ivan Yestigneyev 1870-1891 in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately I don't know what the object is.

[martako]

Thanks for the reply. I vaguely see an E and an I but they could very well be some sort of a symbol/logo of the maker.

I still have not fully figured what this interesting piece was made for. Looking forward to further comments.

Now we are getting somewhere. The maker's mark is to the left but unfortunately I cannot decipher it, What two (?) letters do you see?
The other mark shows the assayer, who is Ivan Yestigneyev 1870-1891 in St. Petersburg. Unfortunately I don't know what the object is.

[cww1960]

Could this be a pipe rack?

[JLDoggett]

For some reason I can picture it with cigars in each holder, matches in each cup on the ends.