Russian 84 Mark - Possible age of item?

[ronenros]

Hi,

I have this tea strainer that is stamped only with the 84 mark. Is it normal for Russian silver to only have this mark? The strainer was found at an estate where there was a lot of Georgian period silver, so I'm wondering if this piece is that old and if the lack of other marks is typical for small objects of that period.

Ron

[Postnikov]

Hi -
this strainer is not Russian if this is the only mark - in Russia several marks were obligatory by law (townmark, assaymaster, silversmith, statemark etc.).
It could be Persia which used the 84 mark but there are all the other necesary marks missing.
It could be French, the 84 stands for plated but the other marks are missing too.
Conclusion: because the style is a little "Russificated" I think the 84 should make the buyer believe that the object is Russian.....
I recommend a test if it is silver...

Regards
Postnikov

[Qrt.S]

This 84 mark always creates questions and is often, ...too often, believed that it would be of Russian origin. As Postnikov stated there should be more marks if it would be Russian. Anyway, the following countries use/have used this 84 mark: Russia, Poland, Persia/Iran, Romania och Bulgaria and France. Russia's markings are explained and in general the same applies for Poland. I have not seen (rare objects) but I have got the impression that the 84 marked on old Romanian and Bulgarian silver is zolotniki for silver. If you see 84 on a object from Persia/Iran it is silver 875/1000. If you see it on a French object it is definitely not silver but silverplated.

Have a nice day

Qrt.S

[Postnikov]

Hi -

here is another of this dubious objects:



Regards
Postnikov

[ronenros]

Postnikov,

That is similar - are you saying that the mark is a fake on your item?

Regards,

Ron

[Qrt.S]

That is an authentic faked Russian mark. However, the 84 on your spoon is not necessary faked. I think your object is simply plated and maybe of French origin.

Qrt.s

[Postnikov]

Hi ronenros -
you got several answers. Please have a look at the contribution about French silver plate some threads earlyer (read the link dognose provided) and than start to think!
I showed you a Photo of a nearly twin, look at the quality (nailmade holes), the stupid marks, and think again!

Regards
Postnikov