Marks on Kovsh

[juantotree]

Hi

Can anybody help on the authenticity of the object and also of the marks please?

Many Thanks
Martin

[Qrt.S]

Hello Martin,
When we in these day talk about Russian works especially in cloisonnee, we must be very careful. The market is full of fakes. However, I believe this kovsh is genuine. I should have the same marks on the handle but around the turn of the century it was not anymore mandatory to mark every detachable part. Sometimes parts are marked, sometimes not. Marks on the handle would verify the authenticity very much. Anyway, the maker's mark is up side down and reads НЗ (Latin NZ). That would be Nikolay Zverev, active in Moscow 1898-1914.NIce kovsh, please clean and polish it.

[AG2012]

Hi,
Waited for Qrt.S to comment first (he knows more about Russian silver than I do).
I think everything he said is correct.It is always better to judge with the object in one's hands, but nevertheless, there are visible traces of natural aging and patination over 100 years that are difficult to fake,meaning it's genuine.
Just take care to not damage gilding (no abrasive).
Regards

[juantotree]

Thank you both very much for your excellent information. I do not currently own the piece but was interested in buying it, I thought however it would be prudent to seek advice here before making any offer to purchase.

Regards
Martin

[Qrt.S]

You are welcome,
BTW, I forgot to tell that Zverev is known for his enameled kovshes.