Bidspirit auction | ANTIQUE RUSSIAN SILVER NIELLO SERVING

ANTIQUE RUSSIAN SILVER NIELLO SERVING SPOON KHLEBNIKOV 1888 - An Imperial Russian 84 silver-gilt and niello large serving spoon by the celebrated court jeweler Khlebnikov, Moscow, dated 1888. The reverse of the teardrop-form bowl features a finely detailed niello architectural scene depicting the Troitskaya (Trinity) Tower of the Moscow Kremlin within an engraved frame. The handle features a spiral-twist stem section leading to a turned baluster finial and vermeil finish. Fully hallmarked on the side stem with the Imperial Warrant, maker's mark ”ХЛЕБНИКОВЪ” (Khlebnikov), Moscow city stamp, 84 zolotnik purity mark, and 1888 assay mark with initials ”А·Р” for assayer Anatoly Artsybashev. imperial russia, moscow silver, 84 zolotnik, vermeil spoon, kremlin tower, architectural niello, court supplier, 19th century silver, Russian metalwork, decorative table silver. Dimensions Length: 6 1/2 in. Bowl: 2 × 1 5/8 in. Weight: 54 grams Condition Good antique condition overall with light surface wear and tarnish consistent with age. Niello decoration on the bowl remains exceptionally sharp and intact. Inner bowl gilding and handle vermeil show minor rubbing near edges. Stem is structurally straight and solid with crisp hallmarks.