A Russian silver Imperial presentation kovsh, 1704

the border engraved with an inscription describing the presentation of this kovsh to Vologda tax collector Dmitry Berezin in 1704 for exemplary service, the interior of the basin embossed with a gilded double-headed Imperial eagle within a laurel wreath, the handle also engraved with the Imperial double-headed eagle, the prow set with a cast Imperial eagle, apparently unmarked

Sotheby's Zurich, 11 November 1978, lot 36, illustrated.

"The Russian Art Exhibition," London, 1935, no. 188.

with some surface scratching and wear consistent with age, the ball finial on the prow possibly added later.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The full text of the inscription reads: "By the Grace of God the Great Sovereign and Grand Duke Petr Alekseevich, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, awarded this kovsh to Vologda resident Dmitrii Berezin for his service in 1703 when he was Burgomaster of Customs in Vologda and for collecting profits during past years [most recently] 1702. [Dated] 1704, November 15th." By the early 18th century, such presentation kovshi were reserved almost entirely for tax collectors and Cossack leaders. (On this, see A. von Solodkoff, Russian Gold and Silverwork, 17-19 Century, NY, 1981, pp. 85-86). Taxes on alcoholic beverages were one of the most important sources of revenue funding Peter the Great's transformation of Russia's military and cities. Successful tax collectors such as Berezin played a key role in allowing the young emperor to carry out his plans. We are grateful to Marina Dobronovskaya of the University of Delaware for assistance in cataloguing this lot.