Late 20th Century Continental Silver Tea Kettle and Stand With 84 Standard Import Marks

Details

Description

Per Valuemystuff.com Appraisal June 2025:
Description
The maker's mark is rubbed. The globular kettle is lobed below an embossed band … Read more Per Valuemystuff.com Appraisal June 2025:
Description
The maker's mark is rubbed. The globular kettle is lobed below an embossed band of fruiting vine around the shoulder, with a partially lobed domed lid, engraved between 1880-1905, featuring a ball finial. The swing handle has plain supports leading to a baluster grip. The kettle rests on an openwork stand with plain curved supports, complete with a spirit burner, and is set on bun feet. No silver marks are reported on the stand, suggesting it may not be original to the kettle.
Notes
The oval mark on the kettle is a Russian silver import mark for 84 standard silver (.875), used between 1899 and 1908, which aligns well with the date. The engraving on the lid is done in the Russian style. The maker's mark appears in a diamond shape, similar to that required by law for French silversmiths at the time. However, this mark was not exclusive to French silversmiths, and the Russian 84 mark does not match the French .800 or .950 standards. In addition to the Russian import mark, I would expect to find an export mark from the country of origin, though it might be placed separately from the other marks. There should also be corresponding marks on at least the stand, if not also on the lid, swing handle, and spirit burner. If the stand is not marked, it suggests it may not be original to the kettle, though the fit appears to be good. I don’t see anything that could be confused with the EPBM mark from James Dixon & Sons of Sheffield. As you noted, the style certainly fits with an early 20th-century date. Without confirmation that the stand is silver, I will need to be cautious in my valuation. However, this piece is undoubtedly more intriguing than previously described, and despite the dust and dirt, it appears to be in excellent condition.

Certificate provided with kettle. See less