Russian 72 Silver Spoon

[dw171]

This small teaspoon is marked 72. I believe its 1700s Russian silver when 72 was a silver standard. I don't know if it was around any longer just going by what's on 925-1000's Russian silver page. The letters are Ц Г. The other mark is so worn I don't recognize it. The spoon has been repaired, which makes me think its definitely silver (why repair plate). So my question is, is this a 1700s Russian silver spoon? If so who's the maker and what city/assay mark is next to it? Thanks

[Qrt.S]

The marks look a bit strange to me and I cannot exactly place them. The spoon can be from Russia from the 18th cent. The problem with this century and earlier is that there are very poor records regarding Russian masters and assayers for these early years. The marking was also a bit of this and that. However, the fineness standard of 72 zolotnik (izdelnoie 750/1000) existed in Russia between 1731-1797. This is the time frame for your spoon. Also the style of it supports this era and especially closer to to latter year. Unfortunately that is all I can say...for the moment. If I find more I'll revert to this case. Until then let's hope somebody else can tell you more.

[dw171]

I was afraid of that with the poor record keeping. It does match the style of my late 1790s British sterling spoon. That last mark almost looks like a head of someone, but I didn't see anything similar to it when searching for a match. There might have been another mark next to it, but its just so worn its impossible to tell.

[huszas76]

Hello!
I think, it's not 72 but 12, fineness is 12 lot, and the spoon is from the middle of the 19. century.
By the way, I don't have explanation for the cyrillic alphabet. My guesses: Serbia, or Moldva-Bessarabia.
Best regards!
Krisztián

[dw171]

I disagree on the 12. I have some other spoons marked 12 that I posted in the German section. This mark looks nothing like those marked 12. The 1 is very slanted and has the bar at top and little overhang at the end, looking very much like a 7. It would explain the Cyrillic lettering. I can't post the original his-res picture, which might help. I haven't seen any other examples of the 72 mark to compare it to. If you have one or know where one's at could you post a link.

[dognose]

My thoughts were the same as Krisztián's, to me, it looks more likely to be a '12', but of course, this is open to debate. Unfortunately, it cannot be compared with other examples as each silversmith would have had made up and used his own punch to indicate the standard, thus the variations of the mark will differ immensely.

Trev.

[Qrt.S]

I as well disagree it being 12. The Cyrillic letters talk against it. In addition the style/shape of the spoon indicates 18th century. The countries mentioned by Krisztián became independent in late 19th cent. eliminating them being home for the spoon. It is much older.

@ Krisztián

Please take a look at the following links:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=42144
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=42145

Thnak you

[huszas76]

Dear Qrt.S!
First of all: I don't think, that this spoon is older, then from the middle of the 19. century. The reason it's because the shape of the spoon, and the thin of the material i think is more tipical for this age. That's lead me to Bessarabia and Serbia.
From the other hand it would be good to hear (read) another opinions only just about the shape of the spoon. Or if you can show me similar spoons from the and of the 18. century, maybe I will convince about this.

About the austrian marks: Unfortunatly I don't have sources neither to identify this makers.
Best regards!
Krisztián

[dw171]

I can add a little more information to this now. I asked the seller where she got it. It comes from a suburb of Chicago with many Russian and Eastern European families who immigrated before or during the WWI and the revolution. Not that it narrows anything down, but any extra information is always helpful.

[Dad]

Hi, All

It isn't an official Russian punch of a fineness, of course. Figures of the fineness of silver in the 18th century was applied only in St. Petersburg. In Moscow and other cities - since the beginning of the 19th century (+/-) only. But in 19 century russian silver standart - 84 zolotniks. The graphics of figures in a punch isn't similar to the original.
The masters in the western areas of the Russian Empire still in the middle of the 19th century used lot system in marking of product.
For example, in the territory of a kingdom Polish (as a part of the Russian Empire) all makers marked the products in lot's system and used 12 lot's silver before 1851. Many makers used Cyrillics in the punches.
I want to specify that it makes sense if the makers punch contains Cyrillics. If isn't present - this spoon may be from any part of Europe. I can't be sure on these photos.
But it is entertaining that the 12th lot of silver = 72 zolotniks of silver ))

Best Reg..