A silver Tsar-Kolokol, Sazikov, Moscow, 1868

finely cast and chased miniature replica of the Tsar-Kolokol in the Kremlin, 84 standard 

In very good condition consistent with age.
"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."

The Tsar-Kolokol III is a huge bell on display on the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin. It is called Tsar-Kolokol "III"   because it was cast three times, and more metal was added each time. The present incarnation was cast in 1733-35, and weighs about 180 tons.

Resting at the foot of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the bell is a mute testimony to the grand days of the Romanov Dynasty. Tsarina Anna Ioanovna commissioned the bell in 1734, fulfilling the dream of her grandfather, Tsar Alexei. At 6.14 meters high and 6.6 meters in diameter, it was to be the biggest and clearest sounding bell in the world. The casting of this enormous bell was performed by a team of nearly 200 craftsmen under the supervision of Ivan Motorin and his son Mikhail, who cast many of Russia's other great bells.

However, their crowning achievement was destined only for tragedy. During the great fire of 1737 it still lay in its casting pit, and burning timber from the structure above it fell into the pit. Bronze has a relatively low melting point, so the question was whether to let it burn and risk melting it, or to pour water on it and risk cracking it by cooling it too fast. The latter risk was chosen and, as feared, because of uneven cooling, the red-hot bronze did crack and a chunk weighing 11.5 tons broke off. This chunk alone weighs more than most bells in the world.

The broken Tsar-Kolokol remained in the earth for almost a hundred years, until the architect Auguste Montferrand raised it in 1836 and placed it on its present granite pedestal. The surface of the bell is finely worked in relief with decorative patterns, embossed pictures, and inscriptions.