Bidspirit auction | RUSSIAN IMPERIAL NIELLO SILVER CIGAR

RUSSIAN IMPERIAL NIELLO SILVER CIGAR CASE 1844 - A superb, early antique Imperial Russian 84 standard silver and niello cigar or cheroot case. Crafted in Moscow and dated 1844, the case features masterful, deep niello decoration portraying heavily scrolled acanthus leaves and foliage. The front and back feature central cartouches depicting two of Russia's most famous monuments: the Bronze Horseman (Peter the Great) in St. Petersburg, and the Monument to Minin and Pozharsky in Moscow's Red Square. The top edge is further decorated with a miniature architectural cityscape. The interior retains a bright gold wash (vermeil). The case is fully and crisply hallmarked with the Moscow city mark (St. George), the 84 zolotnik purity mark, the assayer's mark for Andrey Kovalsky (”А.К”) over the date 1844, and the Cyrillic maker's mark ”В.С”. imperial russian silver, antique niello case, moscow silver, 1844, bronze horseman, minin and pozharsky, russian monuments. Dimensions Height 5 1/2 in, Length 2 3/4 in. Weight 204 g. The measurements are approximate. Condition Excellent antique condition. The niello decoration is remarkably intact and crisp with very minimal wear. The case opens smoothly and closes flush. The interior retains a highly brilliant and rich gold wash (vermeil). The exterior bears a personalized gothic monogram ”AG”.