A large Russian parcel-gilt silver tankard, Pavel Fedorovich Sazikov, Petersburg, 1866

of tapering cylindrical form, with banding to simulate a barrel, the body decorated overall with simulated tree bark, with scroll handle and spout, the sides with engraved coat-of-arms of VON BISMARCK and another one within chased cartouches, the hinged lid also decorated with simulated tree bark and chased with cyrilic text, silver-gilt inside, fully marked below, maker's mark below imperial crown

Clearly marked, overall in good condition, small scratches of use, nothing further to report.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

According to the family tradition the tankard was given to Otto Eduard Leopold Count of Bismarck-Schönhausen, the Iron Chancellor, when he was the Prussian ambassador to Russia. One coat-of-arms belongs to the family Von Bismarck.