Who is Moscow maker AП ?

[SilverK]

I wonder whether anyone is able to help identify this Russian silversmith, АП , and when he was working? At least it looks like АП to me, the initial letter being so poorly stamped. I've looked on the forum's list of Russian makers and on the web and can't find a matching mark for Moscow for the right period (1882-1899 according to the combined standard and city mark). Any help gratefully received.

[AG2012]

Hi,
St George mark does not look right. I think it`s faked.
Cheers

[SilverK]

Thank you for your response AG2012. What do you think is wrong with it?

From a logical point of view, it seems a lot of effort to go to to fake a relatively low value piece and then also not even stamp the maker's mark properly, especially if that maker is not well known.

[Dad]

I think it's original.

The maker's mark is not visible.((

But the best-known producer АП in Moscow at that time - Andrey Postnikov's factory.


Best Reg..

[Qrt.S]

I see nothing wrong with St George. This hallmark was used 1882-1898. The maker's mark is a bad punch but as Dad I believe it could be Andrey Postnikov....but?

[AG2012]

Hi,
I remember well having seen exactly the same very distorted mark, i.e. unrecognizable contours of the horseman (St George),two distinctive lines (concave and horizontal).Will not mention the country and website.
http://www.925-1000.com/Frussia_city_01.html
There is a possibility, though, the mark is not well cleaned and what`s seen is not it`s actual shape.
Russian silver sells well and if one has a punch like this every possible item would be marked and offered.
Never mind.
Best wishes

[SilverK]

Hi,

It may appear to be distorted because what you are looking at is an imperfect picture of a horse and St George no more than 2mm across that has been expanded more than 10 times. The actual stamp on the item is clear and sharp; not distorted at all.

[AG2012]

Hi,
It`s easier for you to compare the mark with genuine Moscow marks of the period, I mean having it in your hands and not depending on images.
This is another fantasy St George. Not even slaying the dragon, just riding for fun.
Best wishes

[Qrt.S]

@AG2012
Mind my saying but St George in a dvoinik and a troinik cannot be compared. The troinik you show is definitely a fake but not the dvoinik showed by Silverk.

[AG2012]

Dear Qrt.S,
Right, just wanted to show what`s going on. They are getting more and more unscrupulous.
Currently popular: pocket watches awarded to Russian,German, Turkish, Japanese, even Chinese high ranking officers.
Best wishes

[SilverK]

Thanks very much indeed to AG2012 and Qrt.S for your views and help. It was certainly quite an eye-opening discussion. I will call a halt to this question and do a little more work on the web now that I have a better idea of the possibilities.