Imperial Russian niello silver snuff box, 1872
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1872
This rectangular snuff box is a fine example of 19th-century Imperial Russian silversmithing, crafted from niello silver. The object features a classic hinged-lid design, characteristic of period snuff containers.
The top of the lid is decorated with an intricate etched scene depicting a neoclassical monument set within a city plaza, framed by a patterned niello background. The box is stamped with the 84 zolotnik purity mark, confirming the standard of silver fineness used in Russia at the time. It bears official hallmarks, including the identification for the assayer Viktor Savinkov and the maker's mark denoted by the initials GV.
With dimensions measuring 1 inch in height, 4.25 inches in width, and 2.75 inches in depth, the piece presents a substantial and portable form. The delicate contrast between the darkened niello work and the metallic silver highlights provides a distinct visual depth, capturing the architectural motifs popular in mid-to-late 19th-century decorative metalwork.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- niello silver
- Dimensions
- 1"h x 4.25"w x 2.75"d
Technical characteristics
- Marks
- assayer Viktor Savinkov, maker's mark GV
- Purity
- 84 zolotnik
Design
- Lid motif
- etched depiction of a monument in a plaza
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- GV
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.