Russian? cigarette case

[piper]

I'm new to this forum and to this site.
Greetings to all.
I hope you can help me with information about a cigarette case...appears to be as follows;
silver, but I'm not sure about hallmark/silversmith's mark
stamped with 2 marks, one is side silhouette of head and "84", second appears to be 2 letters probably Cyrillic
appears to be gold monogram plus gold "hugo" in smaller script
10 ruble coin imbedded dated 1899
back has crest in sheild shape with words "IN TREUEN FEST" around outside
green stone on opening button
photos attached (having difficulty)
I am grateful for any insights you can provide.

I am having trouble figuring out how to provide pictures...any suggestions?

Sincere regards
piper

[Qrt.S]

Without any pictures is your question close to impossible to answer. Kindly read the tutorial and try again, viewtopic.php?f=1&t=10 A photo is a must!

[piper]

Thanks for the direction, Qrt.S
Pictures available with the following link

http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s425/piper2219/Cigarette%20Case/DSCN0254.jpg
http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s425/piper2219/Cigarette%20Case/DSCN0250-COPY.jpg
http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s425/piper2219/Cigarette%20Case/DSCN0253.jpg

(admin edit - remember to use the 'Preview' button)




Any information that could be posted would be most helpful.

Regards
piper

[Zolotnik]

Hi and welcome to the forum -

your cigarette case is obvious Russian, made between 1908 - 17(26) from silver 84 Zolotniki = 875/1000. The photo of the marks is too small to identify the maker and the town. There are many applications missing (see the rivet holes?), at that time a widespread habit under friends to decorate the cigarette case of the pal. I suppose it was the property of a Baltic guy: shield of the German Knights order, the Latin name Hugo, the Monogramm etc. Unfortunately someone destroyed the case by ripping the other monogramms etc. off.
If you provide a detail photo of the mark I can give you the name of the maker.

Enclosed is a photo from my collection to give you an idea how a complete case of this type cigarette case could look.



Regards
Zolotnik

[piper]

Thank you Qrt.S and Zolotnik.
This is certainly and interesting experience, and quite and education.
In its present condition, this case does not look good. I could certainly shine it and improve its presentation. A more serious issue is whether I should take it to a silversmith to have the rivet holes repaired. As collectors, what is your best advice?
Regards
piper

[piper]

Greetings
I have added a better picture of the marks probably indicating maker and town. I have tried to research these myself...Maybe St Petersburg?
Hope someone can help.
Regards
piper


http://i1051.photobucket.com/albums/s425/piper2219/Cigarette%20Case/DSCN0259.jpg

(admin photo edit - images too large - link only - see Posting Requirements )

[Qrt.S]

Kindly take picture with the camera's macro function (usually a tulip symbol) and focus on the marks only. Alternatively take the picture trough a magnifying glass or loupe (x6-10). Your last picture does not help much if anything, sorry for that.

[Zolotnik]

Hi piper -

my advice as collector: write this cigarette case off as a collectors item. Keep it as it is as a warning example for the future: Do not buy destoyed or demaged silver!
Better one perfect object than three demaged ones.

Try to make a close up photo or make a little drawing.

Regards
Zolotnik

[piper]

Good evening Zolotnik and all,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to my posts. I have been able to produce a picture of the marks on the silver that might be easier to read.


I would be very interested to find out what these marks can tell you.


this case was found in an old barn in Western Canada. Fortunately, I do not have any money invested in it at this time. I may keep it as it is. It is an interesting historical piece.

[Zolotnik]

Hi piper -
now the photo is perfect!
The townmark is Moscow (Greek letter Delta), the silversmith is the wellknown firm of Samoschin E(I)gor (Georgij), ГС, Latin GS. This mark is the early form, later he marked with full name or EC instead of ГС. Timeframe around1908.

Regards
Zolotnik

[piper]

Many thanks to those who helped identify this interesting piece.
Special thaks to Zolotnik.
I will continue to follow this forum for interest. I see I can learn a great many things from the contributers.
Regards
piper

[abkappa92]

Hi. Just a quick question. I have a cigarette case with same townmark. but initials are вю. Would anyone be able to give me any insight to the history of the cigarette case and silversmith?

[oel]

Hello

Welcome to the forum

No to avoid confusion you have to start a new topic and provide us with images of your item.

Oel

[abkappa92]

Ok, thank you very much. Will start a new forum and upload pics :)