Russian 18th century silver-gilt and niello snuff box, Veliky Ustyug, 1788
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1788
This 18th-century Russian snuff box is crafted from silver-gilt and decorated with niello work. The box is circular in shape and features a distinctive dark niello finish with a fine grid pattern.
A central circular medallion on the lid contains an engraved monogram. The interior of the box is gilded. The piece is authenticated by official Russian hallmarks, including the city mark of Veliky Ustyug and the assay master's mark for Alexei Torlov, which consists of the Cyrillic letters 'AT' accompanied by the date 1788. Measuring 3 cm in height and 10 cm in diameter, the object has a gross weight of 260 grams. The combination of silver-gilt construction and traditional niello decoration reflects the high standard of Russian metalwork during the late 18th century.
The lid is removable, revealing the gilded interior chamber typical of containers designed for the storage of snuff, a popular fashion accessory of the era.
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
- Height
- 3 cm
- Weight
- 260 gr
- Diameter
- 10 cm
- Material
- silver-gilt, niello
Technical characteristics
- Hallmarks
- assay master's mark in Cyrillic 'AT' for Torlov Alexei, date 1788, city mark of Veliky Ustyug
Design
- Motif
- grid pattern, central monogram medallion
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
- Alexei Torlov
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.