Tsar of Russia Gilded Silver Flatware Set 1840s

A gilded silver and steel 4 piece flatware set from the Grape flatware service

of Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich, later Tsar Alexander II (ruled 1855-1881)

Three pieces were made in England around 1840 (maker’s initials ‘GA’). The fruit knife with silver blade was made in St. Petersburg in 1847 by the firm of Nicholls & Plincke, silver and goldsmiths to the Imperial Court.

The flatware is elaborately decorated with grape motives and symbols of Royal ownership – double headed eagle surrounded by the chain of the Order of Saint Andrew on the front, and monogram ‘AH’ on the back, both surmounted by the Russian Imperial crown.

Total weight 361 grams (11 oz)

Spoon – 20.8 cm (8 1/4 in.), fork – 19.4 cm (7 3/4 in.), knife – 22.2 cm (8 3/4 in.), fruit knife 21.8 cm (8 3/4 in.)

The flatware comes in a custom made vintage wooden case.

A similar flatware set (3 pieces) is in the collection of the Peterhof museum.