Would someone be able to tell me more about a samovar that I found a couple of weeks ago.
I’m in a situation that the bottom of the piece had weight added - I’m assuming- after a break in the stem was repaired.
The shape/form just seemed very appealing to me and I decided it didn’t matter to me what it was made out of- it just looked like something that would be a lovely addition to one of our servers in the dining room.
Once home and polished, I’m beginning to question if it could possibly be sterling. I’m basing this on the graceful form, the fact it was repaired, the thin nature of the kid’s rim, the fact there is a visible seam in the underside of the lid and just the whole feel in your hands. It’s difficult to explain, but it’s that great tactile and visual bond you get while looking and handling a piece.
The lid and base of the samovar are hand numbered to keep the pieces together. However, there are no hallmarks on the lid, nor on the base. The inside has been filled in so heavily that any hallmarks there are now covered up.
The handle on the purchase and the spout are quite beautiful. The spout and tubing are both fluted and the handle appears to original and is carved/created in two pieces.
Would anyone offer any insights as to how I could determine even more about this piece? Can this metal weight to the base ever be removed? It looks like a Georgian style, but could always be a throw back sort of piece. However, it does have the attached chimney in the body of the samovar which would’ve held a heated ingot to keep the beverage at a hot temperature. Writings I’ve found mentioned 1790 as the ending date for this addition. Does anyone know if this is true?
Again, thank you for any and all suggestion to definitely ID the piece as sterling would be very helpful.
