Imperial Russian Style Repoussé Silver Plate Alms Dish with Double-Headed Eagle
Hollowware (Charger, Alms Dish, or Decorative Wall Platter) · Unattributed manufacturer, likely 20th-century decorative trade. While the imagery evokes the Romanov Imperial style, the lack of professional fine silver finishing suggests a mass-produced or souvenir origin rather than a premier house like Fabergé or Sazikov.
Pattern: Imperial Russian Revival; features the Double-Headed Eagle and a Neo-Byzantine scroll border.
Type
Hollowware (Charger, Alms Dish, or Decorative Wall Platter)
Maker
Unattributed manufacturer, likely 20th-century decorative trade. While the imagery evokes the Romanov Imperial style, the lack of professional fine silver finishing suggests a mass-produced or souvenir origin rather than a premier house like Fabergé or Sazikov.
Material
Silver-plated base metal (likely brass or copper based on the warm, yellowish undertones visible where the plating is thin). It is not solid sterling silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm). Weight is likely around 400-600 grams depending on the thickness of the base metal plate.
Description
This decorative charger features the iconic Double-Headed Eagle, the symbol of the Russian Empire. The piece is designed in the style of traditional alms dishes, characterized by a deep central well and a broad, decorated rim. The border features a recurring foliate scroll motif. The warm tone of the metal suggests a silver-plate over a brass or copper substrate, giving it an aged, 'shabby chic' aesthetic preferred in mid-century eclectic interiors.
Key Features
Central Imperial Russian Heraldry; Neo-Byzantine border motif; metallic contrast between the silver plating and the warm-toned base metal; depth of the die-stamping.
Material & Composition
Silver-plated base metal (likely brass or copper based on the warm, yellowish undertones visible where the plating is thin). It is not solid sterling silver.
Finish & Decoration
Repoussé and chased decoration. The central medallion features a relief of a crowned double-headed eagle holding a scepter and orb. The rim is decorated with a continuous running scroll of flowers and foliage in a medieval revival style. The surface has an antiqued or poorly polished patina showing yellowish base metal bleed-through.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks are visible in the provided image. Fine Russian silver would typically bear a 'kokoshnik' mark or a numeric silver standard (84 zolotniks). The absence of deep-struck marks on the front suggests a plated decorative item.
Construction Details
Machine-stamped or die-pressed rather than hand-raised. The uniformity of the repeat pattern in the border indicates a mechanical production process typical of the mid-20th century.
Functional Features
Wide rim for display; circular well. Lacks hanging hardware on the front, likely intended for a plate stand as shown in the image.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A; this is a rimmed platter without handles.
Craftsmanship Details
Moderate quality. The die-striking is clear but lacks the crispness of hand-engraved details. The plating application is commercial grade.
Authentication Indicators
The color of the wear (yellow/gold) is a primary indicator of silver plate over brass. The lack of traditional Russian hallmarking (84, 88, or city marks) excludes it from being high-value antique Russian silver.
Origin & Manufacturing
Likely manufactured in Europe or Russia as a decorative souvenir or home decor item. The manufacturing precision is consistent with industrial decorative arts rather than high-end silversmithing.
Era & Period
Modern Revival (mid to late 20th century) imitating the Russian Imperial / Romanov historical style (17th-19th century).
Age Estimate
Circa 1960–1990. The wear pattern and the quality of the relief suggest a modern decorative object rather than an antique.
Cultural Significance
Represents the enduring fascination with Romanov era splendor and the use of heraldic symbols in 20th-century interior design to denote heritage and status.
Condition Notes
Good decorative condition. Significant 'bleeding' of the silver plate (the appearance of the base metal through the silver), which is common in older or frequently polished plated items. Light surface scratches and minor tarnish in the crevices. Overall grade: Good (for décor).
Value Estimate
$30.00 – $75.00 USD. Value is purely decorative; it lacks the silver weight or provenance to command antique market prices.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with a very mild silver foam (like Wright's) but avoid heavy scrubbing, as the plating is already thin. Display in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation of the base metal.
Similar Pieces
Brass alms dishes from the Arts & Crafts movement; Sheffield plate chargers; modern Russian pewter souvenirs. Genuine 19th-century silver alms dishes would have much sharper hand-chasing and distinct government assay marks.
Interesting Facts
The double-headed eagle was adopted by Ivan III after his marriage to the Byzantine princess Sophia Paleologue, symbolizing the union of East and West. This specific rendition is a simplified version of the Lesser State Emblem of the Russian Empire.