Salt cellar, in Melchior with glass insert, maker marked "4ЮММЕТ", Mstera Jeweller Factory, 1974.
Stands 1 ¼" tall, approx. 1 ½" wide. The insert is made of thick clear glass which can be easily removed for cleaning. The Melchior basin stands on 3 legs. An attractive floral ornament runs around the skirt. The maker's mark is on the lower part of the skirt. The mark identifies the item as manufactured by the Mstera Jeweller Factory, the format of the mark and the number "4" dates the item as made in 1974. Melchior is a "nickel silver" alloy traditionally used in Russia for the most expensive art castings. (It is primarily an alloy of nickel and copper, but its appearance is so convincingly silver that it is usually described by collectors as "nickel silver").
In very good condition. The glass insert shows minor scuffing from contact with the metal of the basin but it is invisible unless you take it out. The basin shows very mild and even patina and small areas of oxidation, mostly on the legs. There is also some minor oxidation on the inside surface of the basin but, by that factor, it is not obvious. Overall, the verdigris is not too detractive and can be removed chemically, if so desired.
Overall, a beautiful and functional piece of tableware.
Item# 39658
$40.00 Add to cart
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