Lot 18: Ivan Khlebnikov (1819-1881) Solid 84 Russian Silver & Champleve Enamel Wine Decanter (1870's Moscow)

Ivan Khlebnikov (1819-1881) Solid 84 Russian Silver & Champleve Enamel Wine Decanter (1870's Moscow) - This piece is made of solid 84 Russian silver (the pre-revolution standard in Russia). Ivan Khlebnikov's pieces are known to families in Russia as "Pieces of Virtu", and are only owned by aristocrats and nobility. This piece also bears a work master's mark of "RL". Many Russian antique collector's have heard of the world famous "Faberge" line, but Khlebnikov was truly a master of his trade, and has had works featured in museums all over the world. In 1871, he requested permission of the governor-general of Moscow to open a factory for the production of golden and silver articles in the house of Narushkin, in the Yauzsk district. Permission was forthcoming and he opened the factory the same year, employing around 200 artisans. His annual turnover was close to 300,00o roubles, and he worked over five hundred poods of silver, ten poods of gold, diamonds and other stones nearly 600,000. This was a highly mechanised operation, working on all aspects of gold and silver ware. This piece is truly a treasure, and we are certain that this is the only piece of this kind in existence. This is a museum quality piece, and you will never see another piece as flawless as this masterpiece. Measures: 13.5"H x 7"D (approximately)