A Russian knife. Who can help with markings?

[MLF]

Hello Forum, this butter knife measures 10 5/8", has a silver handle and what I think is a carbon steel blade:


The blade has an impressive-looking mark, but I don't know what it says:


The handle has two marks, and I wonder if anyone can shed light on the likely age and origin of this piece?


Thanks and best wishes
Mikael
.

[Juke]

The mark on the handle is Moscow c. 1880-90. The makers mark on the hadle is unclear. You are correct that the blade is of carbon steel.
.

[MLF]

Thank you, Kerppola!

I may be impossible to identify the maker but, thanks to you, I now know where and when it was made. Do you read Russian? If so, I wonder f you could tell me what it says?

Best wishes

Mikael
.

[Juke]

Unfortunately I don't read russian but if one could write the cyrrillic letters on the computer then the Altavistas babelfish is an excellent way to translate russian to english.

I guess that you know that the blade was made by another producer and the handle was incorporated by the silversmith.
.

[MLF]

Alas....

Л. и А.
ЗАРЬЯЛОВЬІХЬ
ВЬВОРСМЉ
ВЬІСОЧ.VТВ.ТОВАРНЩВО
LОИDІНІ
НО НОRІЅ САUЅА 1862
ОТАПЛЕНІЕ
СНОВОСЕЛК

translates as:

L. and a. of zar'yalov'Іkh' V'VORSMЉ V'ІSOCH..VTV.TOVARNSHCHVO LOI.DІNІ BUT NO.RІЅ SA.UЅA of 1862 OTAPLENІE SNOVOSELK

Oh well. There does seem to be some Western characters on the blade (e.g. V and L) and maybe that muddles the result - together with any missing spacings between words, etc.

Anyway, I have learned a lot about this knife already. Thanks Kerppola!

Mikael
.

[Juke]

Great that you found a way to get the cyrillic letters. I think some of the letters might also be different and that might be a reason why it don't translate right. I succeded to translate one word ТОВАРНЩ with another translator and it means friend or comrade. I tried to change the letters on the other words also but didn't find the right ones.

Next best is well if possible to get in touch with for example a university with russian education or some other russian speaking community, company etc.
.

[yannis]

In Soviet period, the word "tovarishch" was bastardized and used almost exclusively in the meaning of the official term "comrade".
In Imperial Russia, this word was used in its original meaning - mainly as "friend", "companion", and in official form as f.i. "tovarishch ministra" etc., as "vice-minister". This word was used in commercial affairs as a basis for "tovarishchestvo" = "company".
In your case, "Tovarishchestvo L. i A. Zavyalovyh" reads: "Company of (most likely brothers) Zavyalov". This was a not unimportant manufacturer of steel knives, and military arms (sabres, etc.) based in a village of Worsma (Nizhnyj Novgorod Governorship), founded in 1820. It existed at least until 1903.
.

[yannis]

Sorry, forgot to add: "Vys. utverzhdenno...." means "Founded by the Highest (Imperial) Decree", and the presence of the Imperial Eagle shows that the Company has been awarded with right to wear this mark in recognition of its importance, product quality, and unblemished record.
.

[MLF]

Thanks ever so much, Yannis, for this detailed and extremely useful information. I will update my files!

Best wishes

Mikael
.

[silverport]

The Russian Cutlery and Sword Company was in London World Expo 1862 awarded.

Hello Mikael

You’ve maybe already the same experience as I that open source internet translation facilities seem to be made by sadists?!

The best results you could get are, if you translate from English to English only — I don’t know why this stupid sadistic function then is needed for? Ah yes, now I remember: To siege the user with advert bombs!

I looked to find also Russian internet dictionary — these have blocked my internet connection = Danger too?!

Until yet I haven’t found an open source register of the 1862 exhibitors — maybe it’s easier for you as for me, to find one in GB?

The Russian Imperial Court Cutlery and Sword supplier were for her shown objects in London World Expo 1862 awarded. I don’t know if it was an »Honourable Mention« only — or a Medal?

So step by step comes light in the dark.

Kind regards silverport