Russian Silver Set

[yury455]

Hi,

If you could please help confirm these marks, they look authentic and the item appears to be "correct" (to my inexperienced self) but the silversmith ii doesn't appear anywhere in my Russian Silver book. Assayer is Ivan Lebedkin and retailed by M Lombardo.

Also, if anyone knows of a good way to restore mother of pearl to its former glory, I'm open to suggestions :)









Full album:https://photos.app.goo.gl/wkY7pzEzepa5tqvFA

Thank you for your help in advance, it's much appreciated.

[AG2012]

Hi,
There is no ИИ my PL book.
This is full list of all Moscow silversmiths whose initials match ИИ at the turn of 19th century.
(from Skurlov, no marks shown)
ИВАНОВ Иван
Ivan Ivanov (five silversmiths in Moscow at the time)
Ignatyev Ivan
ИГНАТЬЕВ Иван (died 1910)
Izrayulovich Izrail
ИЗРАЮЛОВИЧ Израиль
Ilyin Ivan
ИЛЬИН Иван
Ilyin Ivan Nikolaevich
ИЛЬИН Иван Николаевич


As for mother of pearl, its surface is very fragile and porous, do not use anything agressive or abrasive. Clean it with damp microfiber cloth or if really dirty wash it in warm water and soap,use very soft brush. The same applies for gilding - it is already almost gone.

Regards

[Qrt.S]

Mattey Lombardo had a jewellery workshop and traded gold and silverware in Petrovka, Solodnikov's passage in Moscow 1880-1916. The hallmark on your set tells us that it is made 1899-1908. The ИИ punch is more difficult. Probably a subcontracter, but who?

[Goldstein]

Hi yury455 -

Mother-of-pearl is a natural composite of calcium carbonate and organic matter that forms the innermost layer ("hypostracum") or the entire predominantly mineral part of the shell of certain molluscs. Due to its special surface structure, which creates a dull, iridescent sheen upon exposure to light, it finds use in the production of art objects such as jewelry and decorative buttons, cutlery handels etc.
Mother-of-pearl is a typical composite material that can be modeled as a brick wall. Due to the organic material ("mortar") between the hard, but brittle aragonite platelets ("bricks"), cracks can spread only with high energy expenditure. Very dense surface - no - pores!
When you polish the metal parts - be careful not to stain the handles.

Cleaning:
If only greasy and dirty: dish-wash solution and warm water
If scratched: make a paste of warm water and crushed chalk (school/blackboard chalk) and polish the scratches. Rinse with warm water.

Polishing of gilded knife blades (objects):
Spray with a common tile-cleaner (citrus vinegar), wipe and polish with some cotton and a silverpolish. It is always a good idea to test the tile-cleanner on a small corner of the object - because sometimes the gilding is very, very thin! But your knives look "very high quality" gilded.

A very nice and not often seen find! Congratulations!

Regards
Goldstein