ANTIQUE 20thC RUSSIAN SOLID SILVER CIGARETTE CASE, 2nd ARTEL, MOSCOW c.1890
Antique late 19th Century Imperial Russian solid silver cigarette case, with richly parcel gilt interior, of rectangular form with curved corners, the hinged cover beautifully decorated depicting an elephant behind a stylized empire style fence, with a emerald cabochon mounted push release button. The hinge is very tight and clasp is very strong, clicks when shut. Hallmarked Russian silver 84, Moscow, year 1890, Maker's 2A (2nd Artel).
Reference Number: A8836a
DESCRIPTION
Antique late 19th Century Imperial Russian solid silver cigarette case, with richly parcel gilt interior, of rectangular form with curved corners, the hinged cover beautifully decorated depicting an elephant behind a stylized empire style fence, with a emerald cabochon mounted push release button. The hinge is very tight and clasp is very strong, clicks when shut. Hallmarked Russian silver 84, Moscow, year 1890, Maker's 2A (2nd Artel).
Artels were cooperative associations of craftsmen that existed in Imperial Russia and Soviet Union. These associations consisted of a small number of members specialised in a specific art and producing a limited number of unique high quality objects.
There are thirty-four known artels for silver, although we have little information about them and the list is incomplete: we have no information at all about the 10th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 24th, 27th and 30th artels. Each cooperative had its own hallmark, although the style of some of them is so consistent that their artworks can be easily recognised by their designs and colours.
CONDITION
In Great Condition - no damage, just general wear.
SIZE
Width: 9.5cm
Height: 12cm
Depth: 2cm
Weight: 238g