+Ivan Ivanovich Futikin 1871 Russia Moscow Vesta Striker Case In .875 Silver With Niello
Vesta case with wick cord designed by Futikin Ivan Ivanovich.
Exceptional and very beautiful vesta striker case from the late 19rh century, created in Moscow during the Imperial Russia period, back in the 1871. This is a match safe holder vesta striker and match box combined with wick holder. It was crafted at the silversmith workshop of Ivan Ivanovich Futikin with impeccable craftmanship in solid .875/.999 silver standard and decorated with applications of black Niello creating intricate checkerboard patterns. Featuring on front with Caucasian folk art motifs and a belt frame medallion in the center to be personalized. Fitted with gripped striker lid, and a hinged snap lock. Comes with the original orange wick cord.
Weight: 48.50 Grams, (31.09 Dwt).
Measurements: 58 mm by 36 mm by 14 mm (2.28 x 1.42 x 0.55 Inches).
Hallmarks: Stamped three times with sets of Russian imperial marks; the mark for the city of Moscow, the mark with the production-assay year 1871, The 84 zolotnik mark for the warranty of the .875/.999 silver and the maker's mark in Cyrillic ИФ (IF) associated to the workshop of Ivan Ivanovich Futikin.
Note: This mark is listed in Postnikova-Loseva as #2527, Moscow 1871, for the master silversmith Ivan Ivanovich Futikin and with the assayer mark for Viktor Savinkov, active between 1855-1888, (Postnikova-Loseva-2112).
Note: The silversmith Ivan Ivanovich Futikin was active in Moscow from 1863 to 1897 and had 12 workers in the census of 1894. Futikin pieces is known among other things, such tea glass holders, salts, spoons etc. and is very well known for his nice cigarette cases.
Niello
Niello is a black mixture, usually of copper and silver, used as an inlay on engraved or silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens, and flows or is pushed into the engraved lines in the metal. It hardens and blackens when cool, and the Niello on the flat surface is polished off to show the filled lines in black, contrasting with the polished silver. It may also be used with other metalworking techniques to cover larger areas. The metal where Niello is to be placed is often roughened to provide a key. In many cases, especially in objects that have been buried underground, where the Niello is now lost, the roughened surface indicates that it was once there.
Literature: Postnikova-Loseva and others, Reference for 'Gold and silver manufacture in Russia XV-XX century', 2003. For these marks illustrated.
Collateral: It is accompanied by a presentation jewelry box.
Condition: The overall condition of this piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the silver. All parts are secured in the settings. This vesta case has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity.
INVENTORY REF: D082723TEMH/1.360
