Moscow Hallmark Querry

[Canuck99]

I have recently acquired a small (13.9 cm) .875 gilt silver spoon with Moscow city mark, which I believe to be from the 1770 period. I cannot find a maker from the maker’s mark (illustrated). There is no assay mark, and all hallmarks are on the front of the spoon. The back has a monogram. Any assistance in verifying my presumption of date and with maker appreciated.

Regards, Canuck99

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(admin photo edit - remember to use the preview button)

[Qrt.S]

Some matters bothers me with your spoon. The city mark of Moscow might indicate 1777-1779....maybe? The fineness of 84 zolotnik is introduced in 1798- In 1777-79 the gold standard is 84 and silver standard 77 but later substituted with the lower 72 standard. In the mark the letter M is up side down in comparison to the letter Д. I'm puzzled...There are some more strange things too. Let's wait for some other opinions...

[Zolotnik]

The spoon is really strange with strange features. Let me think loud: the pattern is not typical for a Russian Tea- or Coffee spoon (13,9 cm), it has more the shape (bowl) of a salt spoon, but is too large and the handle end is not bent like usual. The location of the punches is against all known habits used by the assay masters. The town mark punch look authentic for the years 1777-79, 1780 and 1815. There is no silversmith or assaymaster with the initials W middledot Д in Moscow existant (the cyrillic alphabeth knows no letter W, mixed (Latin/Cyrillic) letters were never used. There exist one assaymaster Д middledot M (Moschalkin Danil) on duty for the years 1750-1758.
Now a conclusion (my personal opinion):
1) Moschalkin with a "typo" (W instead of M) in his punch - not very likely - the punch had been destoyed. The town mark does not fit.
2) The shown assay mark (if it is the assay mark) does not exist
3) The shown maker´s mark (if it is the maker´s mark) does not exist
4) The location of the punches is against the known habits
5) The pattern and the style of the spoon is not as it is known from that time
6) The marks look more or less authentic but give no sense

I would not like this spoon.

Regards
Zolotnik

[Qrt.S]

There you have the rest. Zolotnik is absolutely right. What more to say?
Yes, the spoon is more than dubious. If I were you I would talk to the seller.

[Canuck99]

Thank you both. There was no cost to it - was part of a job lot of English sterling at a country aution. No loss; no gain - exception education (priceless).