Four goblets from the "Orlov" Service, Imperial Glassworks, St. Petersburg, late 18th or early 19th centuries

two tall faceted goblets and two small goblets on massive square bases, the cut glass bowls gilded with Neo-classical ornament (4)

overall very good condition, one of the smaller goblets with a small chip to the interior of the lip, with scattered wear to the gilding consistent with age and use, some bubbles and other small faults inherent to handmade 18th-century glass
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.

Significant parts of this service, which would have been one of the earliest in Russia, are held by the Hermitage and the State Russian Museums. It is called the "Orlov" Service because some of the pieces are decorated with the gilt initials AO, those pieces in the St. Petersburg museums were formerly in the collection of Orlov's descendants, and a decanter in the Hermitage bears a label reading "To Varvara Davydovna [Vorontsova-Dashkova, née Orlova, 1870-1915) in memory of her great-grandfather Aleksei Petrovich Orlov [1745-1801 or 1804?] (Major General, Commander of the Life Guards Cossack Regiment)." The manufactory's earliest records were largely destroyed in a fire and record of a commission or purchase were probably destroyed.  See N. Asharina, et al, Russian Glass of the 17th-20th Centuries, Corning, NY, 2000, cat. 26, pp. 79, 161