Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs

Russian Silver Enamel Sugar Tongs Gilt 19C A. Kuzmichev FINE 1889 RUSSIAN SILVER GILT & ENAMEL SUGAR TONGS; ELEGANT LEAF AND SCROLLING VINE PANELS; VIBRANT ENAMELS; SIGNED "88" STANDARD, ST. GEORGE, 1889 AND MAKER A. KUZMICHEV This is a beautifully designed and masterfully hand-crafted late 19th-century Russian silver and enamel sugar tongs.

 

Fully hallmarked. Including maker's mark for well-listed silversmith A. Kuzmichev. Russian enamels have for years been a favorite among silver collectors. However, during the last few years, prices have exploded. The tongs are meticulously crafted in shaped tapering handle form. Terminating in spoon form "tips". Handles with lavish leaf and floral decoration. Set within tapering V-shape panels. An array of brilliant enamels, including a rich orange-tone red, and unique salmon color. The spoon form tips with floral and scrolling vine design. Orange-red center, salmon-colored petal flower. Set within a cobalt blue frame. Finest twisted silver wire throughout. The enamel background is in silver gilt, in fine state. Monogrammed "L.S.P." to the top of the handle.

 

This 1889 Russian silver gilt and enamel sugar tongs marked for A. Kuzmichev 4 1/4 inches long. Extremely thick, heavy gauge near sterling (916.6 purity) construction, weighs 1 1/2 ounces. Very good condition with some minor enamel wear. Hallmarked to the interior as shown. The assay mark is very unclear, but shows"84" and probably St. George slaying the dragon and the date 1889. Maker "AK", for A. Kuzmichev (See Paulson, page 2). For the discerning collector of the finest pre-Revolutionary Russian enamels.