Russian Sterling Teapot

[Waylander]

This wonderful teapot is one of the main pieces in my collection. I really like the styling (Art Deco I believe). Now, I *think* it is Russian, but am happy to bow to the knowledge of the Russian specialists! I'd appreciate any information (maker, assay office etc). The silver mark looks like that used from 1908 (ladies head facing right, to the left of 84). The letter to the left of the head is the mark for Moscow ("A" or a triangle).







Now, I've been over the item carefully and can't find any more marks than the two in photos 2 and 3. Should I be expecting to find more?

Apologies for the fairly awful photos too.

Cheers

Waylander

PS All the best over the Festive Season for Forum members!

[AG2012]

Hi,
Yes, more marks are expected. Kokoshnik mark cannot be properly seen.
I must say I am suspicious in regard of the authenticity of ``Russian Art Deco``.
Regards

[Qrt.S]

We definitely need good and sharp close-ups of all marks. You should have the this kokshnik mark on the lid handle and bottom and measuring 4x2 mm. On the handle I would expect a round kokoshnik measuring 2mm Ø. Please measure the kokoshnik mark. However, It doesn't actually look very Russian in my eyes....but` we'll see when you are back with the requested information and photos.

[Goldstein]

Hi -

Art déco (short for French art décoratif, "decorative art") was a movement in the design history from about 1920 to 1940, which included the shaping of objects in many areas of life such as architecture, furniture, vehicles, dressmode, jewelery or utensils . Also paintings and illustrations were made in Art Deco style.
If you find Russian silver in pure (real) Art Deco style, marked between 1908 and 1917 - it is always a fake! There were some similar tendencies starting before 1920 (Vienna) and the artists of the Russian Artels experimented with new styles. Here an example from my collection, milk vessel, made by the 5th Artel. Note: this is no pure Art Deco! To prevent the usual negative comments - the last photo shows the bottom of the sugar vessel!







Regards
Goldstein

[Qrt.S]

@Waylander
Please note that on Goldstein's pitcher the spout is marked and the kokoshniks are on the bottom as they should. You can also see the round kokoshnik beside the oval one that I was asking for. Anyway, please show new photos of the marks.

[Dad]

Hi, all,

Punches on the Teapot from the first message are counterfeit. I am sorry, but it is the truth.

[Qrt.S]

Yes Dad, that is suspected but to have it verified better photos are requested.

[Waylander]

Thanks all - appreciate your input AG2012, Qrt.S, Goldstein and Dad. I had my suspicions about the marks - the teapot was a gift and the Russian attribution was based on what the giver of the present was told by the dealer. I figured a quick post here would give me a conclusive answer - and it has!

In response to the various posts:

(a) @ Qrt.S, @AG2012, @ Dad- I've been over the tea pot carefully with my loupe. Absolutely no sign of any kokoshnik stamps on the base, on the spout, on the handle or on the lid (which triggered my initial suspicion).

(b) @ Goldstein - thanks for the great photos. Really like your sugar vessel, especially the handle.

It is silver for me (tarnishes easily), but of an unknown grade. Any thoughts on (rough) age and place of manufacture?

I still really like the item and the design. And to my (non trained) eye, the manufacture seems to be of decent quality - albeit likely not Russian!

Waylander

[Goldstein]

Hi Waylander -

The fakers use mostly European-made items that fit the theme, remove the existing original silver stamps (if it is silver!) and replace them with more or less well-faked or phantasy Russian silver stamps. Often, whole series of objects are manufactured new (industrially!) and then sold worldwide. In many cases they lack the necessary expertise - but this does not seem to be particularly problematic - because the customer / buyer knows less than the faker or is completely uncritical/ignorant. Easy prey!
Brouse the Russian forum and you will see what is possible....

Regards
Goldstein

[AG2012]

Hi,
The teapot is rather well made (cannot see whether the insulators and the finial are ivory or hard plastic). It certainly has elements of Art Deco,and the handle is more consistent with Art Nouveau (Jugendstil). I hope it`s silver, I would test it anyway, either with acid (deeper filing is needed to remove superficial layer in an inconspicuous place - e.g. at the base).Modern testing methods are also available now.
Unmarked silver teapots are not common (unless completely new production for fraudulent purposes). Genuine marks were supposed to be at the bottom of the pedestal, being rather inaccessible, not easy to remove without leaving traces.
Please feel free to ask, doing my best to help.
Regards