Antique Imperial Russian Brass Samovar Tray — Moscow Factory, Ca. 1890–1905

Details

Description

Presented is an exceptional Imperial Russian hammered brass samovar tray, produced in Moscow during the late 19th to early 20th … Read more Presented is an exceptional Imperial Russian hammered brass samovar tray, produced in Moscow during the late 19th to early 20th century (circa 1890–1905).
The tray is boldly struck with the pre-Revolution hallmark:
ФАБРИКА МОСКВЫ
(“Factory of Moscow,” in pre-1917 orthography)
Encircling the official double-headed Romanov eagle, the emblem of the Russian Empire before the fall of the monarchy. This hallmark is consistent with documented work from the esteemed A. I. Bragin Factory (Брагин) and affiliated Moscow metalworking ateliers active during this period.
Historical Significance
This piece predates the Russian Revolution of 1917 and represents the refined metal craftsmanship of the late Tsarist Empire.
Samovar trays of this era were produced in small quantities, with most examples lost or melted during the Soviet period. Surviving specimens marked with the Imperial eagle are highly sought after by collectors of Russian fine metalwork and museum institutions.
This tray’s deep, hand-struck hallmark, intricate hammering, and traditional copper-riveted handles place it firmly among the more desirable examples of its kind.
Features
Authentic Imperial Russian artifact
Marked with ФАБРИКА МОСКВЫ (“Factory of Moscow”)
Double-headed Romanov eagle hallmark
Hammered brass construction
Hand-formed, hand-filed handles
Original copper rivets
Rich, untouched patina
No modern polishing, cleaning, or restoration
Exceptional structural integrity
Condition
Excellent antique condition with over 120 years of genuine patina.
Surface wear consistent with age and authentic use.
Handles remain fully secure.
No structural dents, no breaks, no welds, and no refinished surfaces.
This tray has been purposefully preserved in as-found, unaltered condition, preferred by curators and collectors.
Dimensions
(Insert measurements here)
Provenance Notes
The hallmark’s design, lettering, and strike pattern correspond closely with known late-Imperial Moscow workshop pieces.
The tray displays all the characteristics of hand-forged production, including irregular hammer marks, soft-brass coloration, and artisan-forged handle shaping.
Collecting Importance
Imperial Russian metalwork marked with the Romanov eagle has demonstrated strong appreciation in value and increasing scarcity on the international market. This tray is an investment-grade artifact suitable for:
World antiques collections
Russian Imperial era collections
Decorative arts displays
Museum acquisition
High-end tea ceremony and samovar exhibitions See less