Bidspirit auction | Vasily Batashev Tula Russian Brass

Vasily Batashev Tula Russian Brass Samovar with 1899 Exhibition Marks - A Russian Imperial era charcoal samovar of cylindrical banka form, constructed from brass with turned wooden handle grips. The piece is a product of the Vasily Batashev factory in Tula, as evidenced by multiple Cyrillic stamps. The body and lid feature several struck medallions, including a large central mark reading ВАСИЛIЙ БАТАШЕВЪ ВЪ ТУЛЬ (Vasily Batashev in Tula). A government approval stamp features the Imperial double-headed eagle and the text УТВЕРЖ. ПРАВИТ. (Approved by the Government). A significant commemorative wreath stamp is visible, reading ПОХВАЛЬН. ЛИСТЪ ЗА УЧАСТIЕ ВЪ ВЫСТАВКѢ 1899 Г. (Certificate of Merit for participation in the 1899 Exhibition). Other circular medallions include portraits of Nicholas II, notably one inscribed Б.М. НИКОЛАЙ II (By the Grace of God, Nicholas II), and various agricultural and industrial exhibition awards. The samovar is supported by a square plinth base on four bracket feet. It features a decorative scrolled tap handle and a pierced steam vent on the lid. The internal construction includes a central vertical fuel pipe for charcoal. The piece is an antique. Height: 21.5 inches. The samovar shows surface characteristics consistent with its antique age, including extensive tarnish, oxidation, and surface scratches throughout the brass body (photo 1). There is significant corrosion, soot accumulation, and structural metal loss to the internal grate and the underside of the base assembly (photo 13). The turned wooden handle grips exhibit heavy wear, darkening, and visible cracking (photo 9). A small decorative circular vent shows a bent edge (photo 11). The internal firebox pipe shows surface pitting and oxidation (photo 12).