Imperial Russian Silver Beaker or Cup, 1709
Hollowware (Beaker/Cup) · Unknown Moscow Silversmith (monogram AB). In the early 18th century, Russian workshops in Moscow were the center of silver production under the transition to the Petrine era.
Pattern: Early Petrine Plain Geometric Style, typical of the first decade of the 1700s before the heavy adoption of Western Baroque ornamentation.
Type
Hollowware (Beaker/Cup)
Maker
Unknown Moscow Silversmith (monogram AB). In the early 18th century, Russian workshops in Moscow were the center of silver production under the transition to the Petrine era.
Material
Russian Silver (likely 80 or 84 Zolotniki, roughly .833 or .875 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no base metal.
Dimensions
Estimated height: 8-10 cm; Diameter: 6-7 cm. Estimated weight: 120-150 grams. This represents a heavy-walled drinking vessel.
Description
A rare and exceptionally early piece of Russian silver history. This beaker dates from the pivotal year of the Battle of Poltava, reflecting the rugged yet sophisticated craftsmanship of the Moscow silversmiths. The surface shows the rich patina of three centuries, with deeply struck hallmarks that serve as both authentication and decoration. Its simple, robust form is characteristic of the utilitarian yet high-status objects produced during the infancy of the Russian Empire.
Key Features
Four-digit numerical date '1709'; Moscow St. George city mark; heavy gauge hammered silver; early 18th-century Russian assay marks.
Material & Composition
Russian Silver (likely 80 or 84 Zolotniki, roughly .833 or .875 purity). Solid silver construction throughout with no base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Hand-polished surface with visible fire scale and hammer marks. The decoration is minimalist, allowing the heavy gauge of the silver and the strike of the hallmarks to serve as the aesthetic focus.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Top: City mark of Moscow (Saint George on horseback). Middle Row: Maker's mark 'AB', Assay Master's mark (clover/flower symbol), and 'S' mark. Third Row: Full numerical year '1709'. Bottom: Weight or inventory mark '3/V'. This is a rare example of a full four-digit year stamp, which was common in Russia during Peter the Great's reforms.
Construction Details
Hand-raised from a flat silver sheet. The visible topographical fluctuations on the surface indicate traditional hammered construction without the use of modern lathes or spinning tools.
Functional Features
Single-walled drinking vessel with a slightly flared rim for ergonomic pouring and drinking. The heavy base ensures stability.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This appears to be a tumbler or beaker form without handles, designed to be gripped by the body of the vessel.
Craftsmanship Details
Evident hand-craftsmanship; irregularities in the rim and wall thickness confirm it was raised by hand. The marks are deeply struck, indicating the metal was annealed properly before hallmarking.
Authentication Indicators
The style of the Moscow city mark (St. George) is consistent with the early 1700s. The '1709' stamp utilizes period-correct fonts. The depth of the strikes and the surrounding 'halos' or displacement of metal suggest authentic hand-stamping rather than casting.
Origin & Manufacturing
Moscow, Russia. Manufactured in local workshops under the supervision of the state mint and assay masters of the Silver Chamber.
Era & Period
Early Petrine Era (1682-1725). This period is defined by Peter the Great’s Westernization of Russia, which included changing the silver marking system from the old Slavic dating to Gregorian calendar years.
Age Estimate
Dated 1709. One of the earlier examples of the transition to Arabic numeral dating in Russian silver.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standardization of Russian silver under Peter the Great's reforms. Such vessels were often used for vodka or mead and were symbols of rank and hospitality in high-society Moscow.
Condition Notes
Very Good for age. Shows moderate surface scratches, pitting, and 'orange peel' texture consistent with 300+ years of oxidation and cleaning. No visible cracks or major repairs; hallmarks remain crisp and legible.
Value Estimate
$4,000 - $7,000 USD depending on the clarity of the maker's identification and the weight. Early Russian silver often carries a premium at specialized auctions.
Care & Maintenance
Clean only with a soft cloth and mild non-detergent soap. Avoid abrasive silver dips which can strip the historic patina. Store in a tarnish-resistant cloth in a low-humidity environment.
Similar Pieces
Late 17th-century Bratina (more ornate/rounded); Fabergé Beakers (19th-century revivals with higher detail). This piece is much rarer due to its age and lack of later ornamentation.
Interesting Facts
In 1709, Peter the Great defeated Sweden at Poltava. Silver from this specific year is highly coveted by Russian historians as it captures the exact moment Russia was emerging as a dominant European power.