Late 19th Century Turn-of-the-Century Imperial Russian Hand-Engraved 84 Silver Shot Cup by Israel Zakhoder

Details

Description

This authentic Imperial Russian .84 zolotnik silver vodka shot cup (or miniature Judaica Kiddush cup) was crafted in Kiev during … Read more This authentic Imperial Russian .84 zolotnik silver vodka shot cup (or miniature Judaica Kiddush cup) was crafted in Kiev during the late Imperial period (c. 1899–1908) by renowned master silversmith Israel Eseevich Zakhoder (Израиль Есеевич Заходер).

The exterior displays bright hand-chased and bright-cut engraved geometric border banding, delicate scrollwork, and stylized foliate spray motifs. The underside bears two punch marks:

Maker's Mark (ИЗ): Cyrillic maker's punch for Israel Zakhoder.

First Kokoshnik Oval Assay Mark (84 & Head Left): Standard oval mark featuring the number 84 (denoting 84 zolotniki / .875 fine silver purity) alongside the left-facing profile of Kokoshnik wearing a diadem, with the assay district initial for the Kiev region.

With a silver weight of approximately 13 grams, a height of 1.7 inches, and an open rim diameter of 1.4 inches, this small cup represents fine 19th–early 20th-century Eastern European Judaica and Russian silver craftsmanship. It retains its soft historical patina with light micro-surface scratching consistent with age and gentle handling.

Provenance & Historical Significance: Crafted in Kiev at the dawn of the 20th century by Israel Zakhoder, this piece captures the refined metalworking traditions of the late Tsarist era. stamped with the iconic 84 zolotnik Kokoshnik hallmark, it illustrates the rich intersection of Eastern European silver smithing and decorative art.

Design Significance: Featuring delicate bright-cut geometric borders and organic foliate motifs, this miniature silver vessel displays an appealing blend of traditional Russian ornament and Art Nouveau influence.

Curator’s Note: Perfect as a refined accent piece on a bar cart, curio tray, or vanity display, this antique silver cup brings historic character and understated brilliance to curated interior vignettes.

Authenticity Assessment
This piece is authentic Imperial Russian silver. The maker's mark ИЗ matches known die stamps utilized by Israel Zakhoder's workshops in Kiev and Moscow. The secondary oval stamp contains the Imperial First Kokoshnik hallmark (in use from 1899 to 1908), showing the correct 84 zolotnik standard (.875 purity) positioned alongside the left-facing Kokoshnik profile. The execution of the bright-cut hand engraving, rim roll, and physical weight profile align precisely with turn-of-the-century Imperial Russian production standards.

Item Details & Specifications
Object Type: Vodka Shot Cup / Miniature Kiddush Cup / Charka

Maker / Silversmith: Israel Eseevich Zakhoder (Израиль Есеевич Заходер)

Origin / Region: Kiev, Imperial Russia

Era / Age: Late 19th to Early 20th Century (c. 1899–1908)

Material: 84 Zolotnik Silver (.875 Fine Silver)

Height: Approx. 1.7 inches

Top Rim Diameter: Approx. 1.4 inches

Weight: Approx. 13.0 grams (~0.418 troy oz)

Reference
Book Title: Russian Silversmiths' Hallmarks 1700–1917 (or Gold and Silversmiths' Work in Imperial Russia)
Author: Postnikova-Loseva, M. M. (also referenced in Geoffrey Watts, Russian Silversmiths' Hallmarks)
Reference Details: Maker's Mark entry for Israel Zakhoder (ИЗ / И. Заходер), Kiev region, listed under standard Russian hallmarks section (Page 214 / Entry #2841 in Postnikova-Loseva). See less