Jorgan Allenius Antique Russian Silver Pastry Server, St. Petersburg, 1899-1916

This is a rare and stunning spade-shaped server. Made from multiple parts, the handle is shaped with a panel effect and joined to its lower section with a turned collar. The blade is magnificent with its tapered rectangular shape and decoration. The sides curve slightly upwards and are engraved around their edges with fine lines of dots. The interior of the blade is extensively and beautifully pierced and engraved in a scrolling floral, foliate and strap work design.

This wonderful server is hallmarked on the back with the standard mark with '84' and the assayers initials for Anton Vasilijevitch Richter along with the makers mark for Jorgen Allenius. The blade is also stamped with the Kokoshnik mark with '84', the silver standard for 875/1000 silver. The server measures just shy of 8.25 inches long and is in excellent antique condition.

When photographed in Silver Magazine, it was in the original box (now separated) indicating it had been sold in St. Petersburg by Ivan Morozov.  Morozov had a royal warrant, meaning he sold to the Russian Imperial family.  He is known for making and selling some very fine silver like this server.

Provenance: From the collection of Dale E. Bennett
Literature: Dale E. Bennett, "Russian Silver Flatware Servers" in Silver Magazine, January/February, 2015, pp. 17-18.