Russian Niello Snuff Boxes, 19th Century
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Two Russian silver niello snuff boxes, Moscow / 19th century, the first rectangular in form, the lid decorated with a scene of the Kremlin, the underside decorated with the Narva Triumphal arch. assayed by Nicholai Bubrovin, Moscow, circa 1839. Makers marks Ee., the other rectangular in form, the lid decorated with Falconet's Peter the great equestrian statue in an architectural setting, the underside depicts a view of the old St.Petersburg stock exchange and Rostral columns seen from the river Neva. assay and makers marks rubbed, circa 1846., approximately 179 gms silver, 8 cm x 5 cm x 1.5 cm and 4.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 1.8 cm
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- Niello - A compound made up of lead silver copper and sulphur that is black in colour, and applied to the engraved areas of silver items, thus highlighting the engraving by making the black niello detail stand out from the silver background. It was used on edged weapons from the Renaisance onwards, and also by Russian crafstmen of the19th century.
- Assay / Assayed - Assaying is the testing of a metal, most commonly silver and gold to determine its ingredients and quality. In Britain, once an item of silver or gold has been assayed, a mark is stamped on it, certifying its purity. Known as hallmark, it derives its name from the Guild Hall of the Goldsmiths' Company, who recieved its Charter in 1327 giving it the power to assay and mark articles of gold and silver.
- Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
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