109 - CUTLERY SET BY NICHOLS & PLINKÉ AND LES FRÈRES GRACHEV

CUTLERY SET BY NICHOLS & PLINKÉ AND LES FRÈRES GRACHEV A significant set of table cutlery, presented in its original wooden case bearing the Les Frères Grachev label from Saint Petersburg (65 x 40 x 25 cm). The cutlery is adorned with the “CR” monogram beneath a count’s crown. Some of the pieces are by Nichols & Plinké, while others are by the Grachev Brothers. Russia, Saint Petersburg, 19th century Total net weight of weighable pieces: 5,055 g. Total gross weight of non-weighable pieces: 4,523 g. Total gross weight: 9,578 g. The silver service was likely originally assembled by Nichols & Plinké (the famous “English shop” in Saint Petersburg, the first master silversmith to hold the title of purveyor to the Imperial Court of Russia). The cutlery, hallmarked by the renowned silversmithing firm Frères Grachev, was commissioned later based on an identical design to complement the existing set. Some of the knife blades have been replaced (the dessert knives retain their Nichols & Plinké blades), including: - By Nichols & Plinké: pie server, fish knife, ice spoon, ladle, 17 teaspoons, 8 tablespoons, 6 dessert knives (silver and vermeil), 6 forks (silver and vermeil), 5 tablespoons (silver and vermeil), 2 knives. Hallmarks: 84 and Saint Petersburg, PK, NP beneath the double-headed eagle, weevil. - By the Grachev Brothers: asparagus tongs, 15 knives, 15 dessert knives (rust on the blades), 16 forks. Hallmarks: 84 and Saint Petersburg, Grachev Brothers beneath the double-headed eagle, Бр.Гр. (Fr.Gr.), weevil. We are including a serving fork and a dusting spoon by Christofle. Silver plated metal. Provenance: - According to family tradition, this may be the monogram of the Rostopchin Counts, the family of the Countess de Ségur. CUTLERY, NICHOLS & PLINKE AND THE GRACHEV BROTHERS A substantial set of cutlery, presented in its original wooden box marked “Grachev Brothers” in St. Petersburg (65 × 40 × 25 cm). The cutlery is decorated with the monogram “CR” beneath a count’s crown. Some pieces are marked Nichols & Plinke, while others are marked Grachev Brothers. Russia, St. Petersburg, 19th century, 8,931 gr. Most likely, the set was originally composed of Nichols & Plinke cutlery, with additional pieces of identical design commissioned from the Grachev Brothers. Some of the knife blades have been replaced (the dessert knives retain their original Nichols & Plinke blades). Includes: Nichols & Plinke: cake server, fish knife, ice cream scoop, ladle, 17 teaspoons, 8 soup spoons, 6 dessert knives (vermeil-plated), 6 forks (with vermilion coating), 5 tablespoons (with vermilion coating), 2 knives. Hallmarks: 84 and St. Petersburg, PK, NP beneath a double-headed eagle, cha-rançon (French hallmark in the shape of a weevil) The Grachev Brothers: asparagus tongs, 15 knives, 15 dessert knives (rust on the blades), 16 forks Hallmarks: 84 and St. Petersburg, Grachev Brothers under a double-headed eagle, Gr. Br., weevil (French hallmark in the shape of a weevil) Included are a serving fork and a spoon for powdered sugar (Christofle). Metal, silver-plated. Expert: Ekaterina TENDIL