Twelve Silver Spoons, Vermeiled And Nielloed, Moscow 1850

Exceptional suite of 12 silver vermeiled and nielloed spoons
Russia, Moscow, circa 1850

RARE COMPLETE SET - MUSEAL QUALITY

Important and elegant suite of twelve solid silver vermeiled coffee spoons, finely adorned with high-quality nielloed decoration, attributable to Moscow workshops circa mid-19th century.

Each spoon features an egg-shaped spoon whose reverse is richly decorated with a stylized floral motif, composed of foliage, leaves and florets, executed in black niello on a gilded ground. This technique, particularly prized in Imperial Russia, provides a visual contrast of great finesse and testifies to highly mastered craftsmanship.

The decorative composition, perfectly balanced and rigorously repeated on all pieces, reveals a homogeneous production of superior quality, intended for a wealthy clientele. The handles, slender and subtly punctuated with rings, end in an elegant baluster motif, characteristic of Moscow production of this period.

Visible hallmarks include the title "84" (silver 875/1000) as well as 19th-century Moscow marks, confirming the origin and dating of the set.

Presented in their antique case, probably original, these spoons constitute a particularly sought-after complete set, both for their decorative quality and for their remarkable state of preservation.

STATUS
Excellent overall condition. No distortion or damage. Gilding (vermeil) well preserved and homogeneous. Perfectly coherent.

CARACTERISTICS
- Origin: Russia, Moscow
- Dating: circa 1850
- Material: sterling silver (84 zolotniki - 875/1000), vermeil, niello decoration
- Number of pieces: 12
- Length: 12.5 cm
- Total weight (excluding case): 263 g
- Antique case

COMMENTARY

Russian sets in nielloed vermeil silver from the 19th century, particularly when complete and preserved in a case, are actively sought after by collectors of imperial silverware. Moscow, along with St. Petersburg, is one of the major centers of production, where the quality of execution and richness of decoration reach a particularly high level.

The presence of finely executed niello decoration, combined with the perfect homogeneity of the twelve pieces, places this set in a superior category compared to more common productions. The conservation of the vermeil and the absence of a monogram further enhance its appeal on the international market.

Comparable sets, particularly when signed or attributed to prestigious houses, can reach much higher levels. In this context, this set presents an excellent ratio between quality, rarity and value.