A SILVER-GILT IMPERIAL PRESENTATION KOVSH

A SILVER-GILT IMPERIAL PRESENTATION KOVSH

MAKER\'S MARK INDISTINCT, MOSCOW, 1749

Of traditional form with raised prow and handle, the bowl repoussé with a circular reserve centring an Imperial double-headed eagle with orb and sceptre and centring the cypher of Elizabeth I, the exterior sides chased with Cyrillic dedication \'By the Grace of God we Empress Elizabeth I, Autocrat of all Russia presented this kovsh to Starshina of the Winter Stanitsa of the Yaitskii Voisko Matvei Suetin for his true service in Moscow on 2 June 1749\' within foliate cartouches, the shaped handle applied with a profile portrait of Empress Elizabeth I within foliate scrolls, the interior engraved with the Casto family crest, the finial cast and chased as an Imperial double-headed eagle, marked on handle, also with import marks

12 3/8 in. (31.5 cm.) wide

17 oz. (537 gr.)