Vesta case

[Dad]

The case is from Russia and bears the hallmark for Moscow, BC 1870 for Viktor Vasilyevich Savinsky and IH. ``

More correctly : St.-Petersburg. "BC" - assayer Vladimir Smirnov.

[Qrt.S]

Yes, I agree with Dad, the assayer is V. Smirnoff because V. Savinskij was only one year in St P and that year was 1849. Here we have 1870 for Smirnoff, active in StP 1866/68-1870/71. Different sources different years, don't know what are the correct years.

[Dad]

Yes, I agree with Dad, the assayer is V. Smirnoff because V. Savinskij was only one year in St P and that year was 1849. Here we have 1870 for Smirnoff, active in StP 1866/68-1870/71. Different sources different years, don't know what are the correct years.

Viktor Savinsky never worked at the Petersburg assay office. In 1848 he graduated from Mining Institute in St. Petersburg.

And why "Smirnoff"? Because vodka Smirnoff? )))))

[Qrt.S]

@Dad,
Are you sure about Viktor S not assaying in StP in 1849? See Green Ivanov page 725. Do you know Smirnov's exact working period in StP Please verify.

About Smirnoff. That is again this transliteration/writing/pronunciation problem. Smirnov/Smirnoff...??? But if you say Smirnov, so be it.

[AG2012]

That was the quote by the seller you are referring to.
In short, there are too many Victorian tooled purses around and unless they bear distinctive hand engraved Russian features I avoid them.