A RUSSIAN SILVER PRESENTATION KOVSH GIVEN BY TSARIN CATHERINE II, UNMARKED, PROBABLY SAINT PETERSBURG, CIRCA 1760 | A Russian silver presentation Kovsh given by Tsarin Catherine II, unmarked, probably Saint Petersburg, circa 1760

the centre embossed with a imperial two-headed and crowned eagle, the body engraved with an inscription in the name of Empress Catherine II stating with the God's mercy, we, Catherine II, Empress of all the Russias, honor with this Kovsh the ataman Kondrate Ivaniuk of Grebeskpe, detachment of Zimnovoe area, for faithful service, Moscow, 29th June 1763

Acquired by the present owner in 2003.

In overall good condition. Two very small tears near the handle, one of them restored. Possibly one trace of mark under the base. Very small restoration inside the kovsh on the border. Very rare piece and very interesting on the historical side.
"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."

For a similar Kovsh, see Splendeurs de Russie, Mille ans d'orfèvrerie musée du Petit Palais, 1993, p. 167.