Description:

Eastern Europe, Russia, Imperial Period, ca. 1866 CE. A mid-19th century silver cigarette or snuff case with niello squares surrounding a cartouche with the Grand Kremlin Palace in Moscow. To the right of the building are assay marks: first, and faintly, is a Cyrillic mark, then the assay mark "BC" over the year "1866", for Moscow assayer Viktor Vasilyevich Savinsky, and "84" for the silver purity. The inside rim near the clasp is also stamped with the Cyrillic mark and purity. The dark coloration of the niello results from the mixture of copper, silver, and lead sulphates that form its metallic composition. The motifs are etched into the silver surface, the powder mixture is added to the grooves then reheated to adhere to the surface. Size: 5" L x 3" W (12.7 cm x 7.6 cm); silver quality: 65% to 88.3%; weight: 142.6 grams

Please note that lead was used on this case, and we recommend this as a display piece only.

Provenance: private Danvers, Massachusetts, USA collection, acquired by descent; ex-USA collection, acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Expedited shipping is available upon request to ensure most items arrive in time for the holidays, subject to item size and shipping destination.



SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions..

#187457

  • Condition: Scratches and wear to the black niello. Indentations to corners and small tear near hinge. Interior has some scratches and dark patina. Cyrillic maker mark is faint on the lid, but clearer on the interior rim. Other maker marks are legible. Please note that lead was used on this case, and we recommend these as a display piece only.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

SHIPPING LOGISTICS: As a courtesy to our clients worldwide, Artemis Gallery is happy to handle shipping for most lots sold, taking the hassle (and high cost!) out of having to arrange shipping on your own. Shipping costs will be added to your invoice at auction's end based on information given when you registered to bid - we strive to offer the most economical shipping costs to ensure safe transit. Our shippers of choice are DHL for International shipments and UPS for domestic shipments, but we are able to ship via other carriers at the buyer's expense as deemed necessary or by request.

For shipments of oversize items, Artemis Gallery will assist the buyer in working with a third-party shipping provider. For shipments outside of the USA, customs and duties may apply upon entry into said country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer's responsibility. If you have questions about this, please inquire BEFORE bidding.

Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value - no exceptions.

December 13, 2024 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000