Antique Russian 84 Silver Caviar Spoon, Kiev 1879, Cyrillic Inscription

A finely decorated antique Imperial Russian 84 silver caviar or serving spoon, assayed in Kiev in 1879.

This substantial 19th-century spoon is crafted in 84 zolotnik silver, equivalent to .875 silver purity. It features a deep rounded bowl, a twisted handle and a sculptural bell-shaped finial, giving the piece a distinctive Russian provincial silver character.

The reverse of the bowl is richly decorated with hand-chased floral and geometric ornament, with a Cyrillic inscription running around the outer border. The combination of large serving form, detailed engraving and clear Russian silver marks gives the spoon strong collector appeal.

Details

Origin: Kiev, Russian Empire, now Kyiv, Ukraine
Date: 1879
Period: Imperial Russian period
Maker: Unidentified, maker’s mark partially worn
Material: Russian 84 zolotnik silver, equivalent to .875 silver
Hallmarks: Kiev 1879 assay marks with 84 silver standard and maker’s mark
Length: Approximately 18 cm
Bowl Diameter: Approximately 6 cm
Weight: 90.5 grams
Design: Deep rounded bowl, twisted handle, bell-shaped finial, floral hand chasing, geometric border and Cyrillic inscription
Use: Caviar spoon, serving spoon, Russian silver collectible, Eastern European table silver or cabinet display piece

Condition

Very good antique condition with light surface wear, gentle patina and age-related handling marks consistent with age and careful use. No dents or repairs noted. The decoration remains attractive, and the Russian silver marks are visible. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Historical and Collector Context

Russian 84 zolotnik silver was widely used throughout the Imperial period and is equivalent to .875 silver purity. Pieces bearing regional assay marks, such as Kiev, are especially interesting to collectors because they reflect the wider provincial silver tradition of the Russian Empire beyond the main centres of Moscow and St Petersburg.

Kiev, now Kyiv in Ukraine, was an important cultural and commercial centre within the Russian Empire during the 19th century. Silver items assayed there often show a distinctive regional character, combining practical forms with engraved or chased decoration.

This 1879 spoon is appealing for its substantial 90.5 gram weight, large rounded bowl, twisted handle, sculptural finial and Cyrillic inscription. While the maker’s mark is not confidently identified, the Kiev assay mark, 84 silver standard and decorative workmanship make it a strong example of Imperial Russian provincial silver.

It would suit collectors of Russian silver, Ukrainian-region silver, 84 zolotnik tableware, antique caviar spoons, Eastern European decorative arts or historically interesting silver serving pieces.

All items are vintage or antique and may show light signs of age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description. Feel free to message with any questions prior to purchase.