Genuine wodkacup?

[zilverik]

Hi,

This cup I have my doubts about. The handle is put over the nice engraving.
I read 1860, Brandenburg, Eduard Fedorowitsch (1850-1866) NP= Nichols & Plinke St. Petersburg?

Regards,

Zilverik

[Zolotnik]

Hi zilverik -

The handle was later added (it does not belong there, does not fit, has a stupid design and is not marked I suppose).
Townmark: St. Petersburg
Assay master: Brandenburg Stuard Fedorowitsch, on duty 1850-1866 (there was lately a discussion about the different E´s and a letter that look like an rev. E)!
Silver content: 84 Zolotniki = 875/1000
Maker: on your piece NP in a rectangular cartouche - in this form not existing! The correct mark is: N:P, N.P., or N&P, in more or less rectangular cartouches with rounded corners.
My opinion: an original pitcher from ? and than upgraded to N.P.
Rip off the handle, forget about N.P. and enjoy!

Regards
Zolotnik

[Qrt.S]

Obviously Zolotnik means the assayer Eduard Fjodorovitsh Brandenburg (Э·Б). A foreign forename and starts with Э. Yes, the sharp corners in the maker's mark caught my attention too. However, Nichols & Plinke had many marks. These I know: N·P, NP, KA, N.P., PK, N&P, N&P MAG·ANG and finally N:P. The mark KA's shield has sharp corners, PK cut corners and the rest slightly rounded corners. Zolotnik's advices of removing the handle is a good advice, it does not belong there at all.

[zilverik]

Hi Qrt.S and Zolotnik,

Thank you both. I follow your advice to remove the handle. And then I will sure drink from it.

Regards,

Zilverik