www.925-1000.com

Hello,

A while ago I saw that the specialists on the forum deemed a teaset purporting to be Faberge fake because it was not part marked.

In Imperial Russia when making an item of many components would the maker have to send off all the part for the piece (lets say tureen) eg handles, lid, finial, feet... to be assayed and all marked or part marked and then once all the parts were returned by the assay office he would finish the piece? Or have I got this wrong. If I am correct, what dates was this policy implemented between?

I am glad for any thoughts on this as I am trying to educated myself to avoid the increasingly sophisticated fakes that I being produced.

Many thanks.

42jbb

Hi,
Yes,it was legislated that all parts were supposed to be marked and duty paid on weight before assembling (soldering) back in the workshop.
On the other hand,there seems to be disagreement (as far as I can tell) when it was legislated and actually fully enforced, because there is genuine silver mid 19th century and earlier without all parts being marked before soldering.
Also,there are unmarked very small parts e.g. finial cap nuts.
But silver made in late 19th century should have all parts marked and lack of marking is always suspicious.
Regards