4065

 I am pleased to offer for auction the very RARE quality Imperial Russian silver SALT CELLAR.

This cellar made in 1880y in famous hand engraved Russian design by craftsman Ivan Ovchinnikov, who was working in the city of MOSCOW during 1875-1896y. ИO (Ivan Ovchinnikov) in Cyrillic are the initials of craftsman. Besides, there are hallmark of Moscow city, 84 (means 87.5% silver) and ASSAY mark – ?К (probably ИК) in Cyrillic, who worked in the city of Moscow during 1872-81. His name is unknown. Hallmarks are clear as you can see in the photos. The cellar is in excellent estate condition with minor marks from use. All original. Size: 2” (diameter of the top), 1 1/8" (H). The weight is 44 grams on my scale. The inscription on the cellar in Cyrillic says: БЕЗ СОЛИ БЕЗ ХЛЕБА ПОЛОВИНА ОБЕДА. Rough translation of this inscription is: THERE IS A HALF OF A DINNER WITHOUT SALT AND BREAD.