Each podstakannik stands about 9 cm tall to the top of the handle, 7 cm wide at the foot compared to the usual 8 cm due to the very uncommon absence of the wider "skirt" at the foot and the internal rim for resting the glass insert on. The artwork of the centerpiece in 3D high relief presents the monument to Bogdan Khmelnitsky in Kiev, Ukraine. Bogdan Khmelnitsky (1595 - 1657) was a statesman and military commander, leader of a national liberation movement which led to freeing the left bank Ukraine, including Kiev, from Polish rule and joining it to Muscovite Russia. Highly arti

Each podstakannik stands about 9 cm tall to the top of the handle, 7 cm wide at the foot compared to the usual 8 cm due to the very uncommon absence of the wider "skirt" at the foot and the internal rim for resting the glass insert on. The artwork of the centerpiece in 3D high relief presents the monument to Bogdan Khmelnitsky in Kiev, Ukraine. Bogdan Khmelnitsky (1595 - 1657) was a statesman and military commander, leader of a national liberation movement which led to freeing the left bank Ukraine, including Kiev, from Polish rule and joining it to Muscovite Russia. Highly artistic high 3D relief design combines the traditional centerpiece escutcheon surrounded by a fruits-and-berries ornament with a smooth surface of the skirt with see-through ornamental cutouts. Due to the absence of the bottom rim, the maker's mark, also uncommonly, is on the handle. "МНЦ Киiв" identifies the alloy and city of manufacture. МНЦ stands for "Медь Никель Цинк" (copper, nickel, zinc). Depending on the ratio of the component metals, the alloy is called either Neusilber / German silver / nickel silver or Melchior. When used for cutlery, Neusilber is always coated with silver, otherwise the food acquires a metallic taste.

The monument depicted in the centerpiece was opened in 1888 in Sofia Square in Kiev as part of celebrating the 900th anniversary of the Christening of Russia.

In excellent, superb condition. Exceptionally clean and free of bumps, dings, nicks and scratches you would expect to see on a 1950s-60s podstakannik. Very mild patina adds character.

Please note: if you try to come up with a replacement glass liner, it should be made of tempered glass even though we urge you not to use this to drink from! We offer this strictly as a historic artifact (and dramatic stage prop for your dining room or study). We provide no warranty of its suitability for actually drinking hot beverages like tea or coffee. All we know is that it should look great sitting on a tray next to your antique family samovar.

Enjoy!
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