Imperial Russia 84 Standard Silver 1881 Table Serving Spoon x 2

This 8 1/2" long, solid silver spoon was made in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1881, as indicated by the assay mark for Ivan Vonifatiyevich Yevstigneyevon, 1870-94, that appears on the handle backside.

The maker's stamp is "AS," and the silver standard is 84 zolotniki, representing .875 silver content, slightly lower than American coin at .900.

The piece has several distinguishing features, the first of which is its robust weight, at nearly 2.8 T. oz.

Second is its highly crafted, architectural, form. The entire margin of the fiddle-shaped handle with a slightly tipt backside, shows pronounced beveling which emphasizes the structure of the item. The subtle shoulders off the bowl are elongated and angular.

The bowl itself is oversized, more so in length than in width.

Lastly, there is a handsome, leaf script, "MS" monogram set on the handle front, and of a style that bespeaks the piece's Continental origins.

In superb condition, the only evidences of use are light surface scratches with some flecking on the ridge lines of the handle, all consistent with age. The bowl is free of dents, bends, or tip wear. No doubt the sheer substance of the piece has lent it a large measure of "immunity" to wear.