Unknown makers mark

[oakley38]

Hi, i was just wondering if anyone can help me with identifying these or telling me anything about them. I did look on the site, but i couldn't find hallmarks that similar. I know that it is russian, it has stamps all over the piece on the spout, on the inside of the lids, on the base, on the handles, they're all marked the same on the bases with the same thing. I know the photos aren't the best but i dont have that good a camera. looking at it the three letters look like a BTC.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4645398&l=ce89717241&id=525616525

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4645400&l=d11b0145fd&id=525616525

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4645402&l=5d26bc1cee&id=525616525

Thanks in advance.
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[Postnikov]

Hi -

very nice set!

Town: Moscow
Assay master: Ivan Sergejewitsch Lebedkin 1899
Master: V. T. Sokolov, working until 1908

Regards
Postnikov
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[oakley38]

Thanks so much Postnikov, thats helped a lot. Can I ask another quick question? Is there anything written about this maker? As i've been searching on the net and can't really find anything and our local library has no books on russian silver apart from faberge. Is it possibly there's not much written about him cause he's not a 'good' maker?
Cheers.
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[Postnikov]

Hi -

in Russia there were at that time thousands and thousands of silversmiths of nearly all nations. Many had their own workshop (Sokolov for instance), others worked in workshops not owned by them. Moscow was known for the more classical, Russian style - St. Petersburg was known for the more European, expensive style. Sokolov is known for his high quality - coffee/tea sets, cutlery, hollowware, napkin rings, etc. He is a well recognized firm.

The reason why you find nearly nothing in the internet is that it covers mostly the famous firms like Ovtschinnikov, Sazikov and Fabergé - just to name a few.
We seasoned collectors have a big collection with real, authentic objects, experience of many, many years and a large bibliothek, some friends from over the world who we can ask if something is not clear etc, etc.

Enjoy your set and be happy! It is a fine example of Russian Imperial silversmithing, from a wellknown able silversmith - 112 years old!

Regards
Postnikov
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[oakley38]

Thanks Postnikov you've been most helpful. Trust me i will enjoy it and happy with it i think its the best thing i've found at a car boot sale.
Thanks again.
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