Prince Sergei Galitzine: An extensive silver service

comprising a coffee pot, hot milk pot, teapot, two tea kettles on stands, and waste bowl, apparently unmarked save for French import marks, covered sugar, cream jug, Ovchinnikov, Moscow, 1887, 84 standard, and a two-handled tray engraved with crowned monogram, Gubkin, Moscow, 1867, 84 standard; swirling fluted with chased bands of scrolls and emblematic eagles typical of the Russian Rococo, contained in original fitted oak traveling case

Prince Sergei Mikhailovich Galitzine (1843-1915)
Baroness Vera Leonardovna Steinheil (1875-1957), the Prince's third wife
Princess Irina Sergeevna Galitzine (1902-1981), their daughter
Anonymous

a substantial and attractive set, with some small dents to some pieces 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.
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.

As a member of one of Russia's most distinguished princely families, Prince Sergei Mikhailovich Galitzine was a pivotal cultural figure in both Moscow and his birthplace, France. Born in Paris in 1843, he was the only son of the wealthy art collector, bibliophile and diplomat Prince Mikhail Galitzine (1804-1860) and Princess Maria Dolgorukaia (1822-1907). At the age of 17, the prince inherited his father's vast art collection and estate, including a library of over 20,000 volumes. Following his father's wishes, he founded the Galitzine Museum in Moscow, one of the first museums of Western European art in Russia. The Hermitage purchased the entire Galitzine collection in 1886. An influential aristocratic landowner with close ties to the Imperial family, Sergei Mikhailovich served as Chamberlain to the Imperial Court and Grand Master of the Imperial Hunt.

The firm of Gubkin was founded in 1841 and rose to prominence in the International Fairs of St. Petersburg, Moscow and London in the 1860s. Its trademark was originality of design as well as silver chasing and casting in the Neo Roccoco style, as seen in the above tray. In addition, Gubkin is now recognized as having initiated and mastered the technique of trompe l’oeil silver, which was copied in the 1880s and 90s by Russian firms such as Khlebnikov and Sazikov, and in America by Tiffany and Company. 

We are grateful to Princess Christine Galitzine for her research on the provenance of this lot.