Choose Tabunov Antiques Ltd for trusted expertise and precise appraisals today. We curate classic pieces with transparent provenance, and every item carries a history you can verify. Our team is local and responsive, turning inquiries into confident purchases with clear details and helpful advice. Check our google reviews to see real buyer experiences and the care we give to each client.
From rare finds to well-worn classics, our inventory includes items that have passed provenance checks and circulated through flea markets and private collections. Expect pieces with a quiet patina, a cream glaze, and subtle signs of history that only seasoned dealers recognize. We source locally when possible and always document origins so you can trace each piece back to its roots, whether it was displayed near an arbat corner or tucked away in a quiet cabinet.
Our appraisals combine market data, condition notes, and proven provenance. Each item has passed evaluation by our qualified experts, and you receive a written report with estimated value, restoration options, and care tips. We maintain a transparent process, with detailed condition codes and clear photographs you can review on your device and in print. After appraisals, we help you decide how to fit the piece into your collection with confidence.
wanderlog fans and new collectors alike rate our space for approachable browsing. Our showroom blends careful curation with an inviting vibe–think cozy corners, a small cafeteria area, and a selection that includes collectible souvenirs and antique pill boxes. We mince jargon into plain language so you can compare items without confusion, and we help you imagine how a piece could live in your home or gallery.
To collect, you can забрать the piece at our arbat showroom; we coordinate a convenient pickup time and ensure secure packaging so you can take home a trusted find with confidence. If you’re far away, we can arrange insured shipping and provide a prepared appraisal packet for your records and insurance claims.
Visit Tabunov Antiques Ltd in person or online to explore our latest acquisitions, read our reviews, and connect with specialists who speak about care, display, and storage. Our team is ready to answer questions, schedule on-site appraisals, or discuss how a piece could enhance your collection–without pressure and with a friendly, informed approach.
Tabunov Antiques Ltd – Trusted Antique Dealer: Rare Finds & Appraisals; Russian silver gilt cloisonné and shaded enamel Moscow 1890s by Vasily Agafonov
If you want a verified Moscow 1890s Vasily Agafonov piece, call our specialists today for a trusted appraisal and a transparent квитанцию.
- Provenance and authenticity: origin traces to the izmailovsky market, with documented references in izmailovsky museums. We maintain an itemized inventory and can provide a copy of the inventory card (квитанцию) upon request, ensuring you know exactly where the вещь fits in a respected collection.
- Object details: the piece features Russian silver gilt cloisonné and shaded enamel, with champlevé accents. The cream field enhances the depth of color in the enamel, highlighting the scene or motif and supporting long-term display in collections.
- Period and maker: 19th century Moscow, 1890s, attributed to Vasily Agafonov (agafonov). This combination of alloy, technique, and period makes it a classic example for esteemed cabinets and museums.
- Technique and iconography: cloisonné with shaded enamel applied in narrow compartments, creating a rich, tactile character. The chest or vessel may include kovsh motifs or samovar-inspired forms, common in Izmailovsky-inspired design, which helps it stand out in any gallery or showroom in a display that feels both timeless and elegant.
- Condition and care: the item shows a refined patina and minimal wear consistent with 19th-century use. We offer professional conservation guidance and a care plan that preserves both the metalwork and enamel for future generations.
- Documentation and value: alongside the formal certificate of authenticity, we provide a detailed description, a current inventory number, and a transparent price history. We can issue a fresh receipt (квитанцию) and arrange insurance-grade packaging for safe transit.
- Presentation and display: the piece complements a refined collection and pairs well with classic interiors, fashioning a link to izmailovsky aesthetics while remaining versatile for display in private shelves or vip showings. These items make a strong statement in a designated store or showroom corner (магазина) and translate well into elegant home display, including room corners that echo planet-scale elegance.
- Shopping path: many collectors begin with an immediate request to view high-resolution images and a video walkthrough. You can pick from available items in our inventory and request a closer study of details, signatures, and hallmarks. For those who want a tactile experience, we invite you to visit our shop in person, where you will meet a trusted руководителем and see the cream-toned surfaces firsthand.
- Exhibited and cross-referenced: these pieces have appeared in curated exhibits and are cross-referenced against museum catalogs and acclaimed collections, demonstrating reliability and a proven track record for discerning buyers and galleries alike.
Want a personal shopping plan? We tailor inquiries for anyone seeking a classic, high-quality addition to a collection. If you’re shopping for a daughter, a fellow collector, or a decorator who loves izmailovsky heritage, this is a remarkable choice. We provide guidance on logistics, including free consults, secure shipping, and a clear, itemized квитанцию for your records. Call today to reserve a viewing, confirm availability, or request a formal quotation from our руководителем магазина. Эти вещи не ждут долго – selectie that aligns with your inventory goals and your sense of history.
Tabunov Antiques Ltd – Rare Moscow 1890s Cloisonné: Plan & Subtopics
Start with a concrete recommendation: build a plan that anchors decisions in provenance and market demand. Begin with first, famous cloisonné pieces from moscows 1890s, then cluster related items such as a spoon, самовара, and small furniture to simplify inventory work and клиентов storytelling, getting there with confidence.
The plan identifies subtopics: старины in the Moscow cloisonné scene of the 1890s, core icon motifs, and the role of workshops in naming conventions. It tracks materials, shade balance (shaded enamel), the stir of color, and quick checks to verify authenticity, including weight, turned rims, and enamel quality, ensuring coverage over common defects.
Evaluation criteria cover condition, patina, and pattern cluster. Review results in a showroom space, aiming to help anyone decide, with a friend or staff guiding a girl buyer toward the right option. The first entry should be a famous piece that demonstrates the synergy of iconography and technique.
Display and storage guidelines: keep inventory organized by workshop origin and motif. Use клиентов-facing labels to help customers navigate, and place a shaded самовара centerpiece and a matching spoon near the window to attract tourist attention. This setup creates space for stores to showcase quality and move items quickly.
Pricing strategy centers on delicious value for little money. Build an option ladder that starts with a core icon set and expands into furniture and decorative pieces. Each item is built to turn heads, with much care given to color balance and patina. The cluster approach helps anyone understand how a single piece fits into a Moscow collection.
Operational notes: theyyll documentation and audit trails ensure transparency. Quick appraisal turns, with a clear record of provenance for each item. Turned metal edges and enamel strength are tested in a controlled way to keep risk low while offering clients reliable information.
Next steps: contact Tabunov Antiques Ltd to arrange a private viewing in a shaded showroom, request a detailed catalog, or reserve a Moscow cloisonné item for a future display. The plan supports anyone starting a collection, including a girl buyer, a new friend, or a tourist seeking unique pieces with strong старины and provenance.
Section A: Verify Provenance and Authenticity for Vasily Agafonov Moscow 1890s Cloisonné
Start with a written chain of custody for the Vasily Agafonov Moscow 1890s Cloisonné and verify yourself against primary records. Collect invoices, catalog entries, and dealer receipts, then align them with the current inventory to confirm continuity.
- Provenance data should include written documentation from the seller and previous owners; many shops maintained detailed records, showing transfers back (обратно) and forth, and identifying who came to possess the object. These records should be cross-checked with the inventory to prevent gaps that stir doubt.
- Maker marks and Cyrillic inscriptions: inspect the base for cyrillic signatures and ensure they match known Vasily Agafonov patterns; if night lighting is limited, request high-resolution photographs or a formal appraisal so you can read the inscription clearly and avoid misinterpretation. Should you find inconsistencies, document them and seek clarification.
- Physical condition and enamel details: examine the enamel quality, verify the presence of a flakon motif, and check for signs of wiping (wiped) or restoration; note any cream-colored glaze under the surface that would support authenticity. Confirm that the surface shows consistent wear rather than abrupt restoration.
- Cross-reference with landmarks, public catalogs, and archive records: compare the piece against established markers and signatures from credible sources. If wanderlog entries, mausoleum references, or visitors notes mention similar cloisonné items, treat those as leads and verify their reliability through primary sources.
- Documentation and corroboration: inventory numbers should line up with the seller’s records and your own notes; these references must trace through a single chain of ownership and not reveal gaps that would raise concerns. The accountant should verify payments and sign off on the documentation.
- Communication and next steps: record the findings in a concise report that a buyer can understand; if questions remain unanswered (answered), request additional information in writing and keep a log of all correspondence via phone and email.
- Final assessment: if provenance is solid and authenticity is confirmed, proceed with confidence; if doubts persist, involve a reputable third-party evaluator and avoid pressuring the deal. This should be a free, transparent process, and you should approach it with steady emphasis on clarity–just.
In contextual notes, reference comparable pieces from samovar-related catalogs (самовара) and note if any listing mentions restoration or solvent cleaning (протирал). Cross-check with arcade displays in Moscow, where collectors frequent shops near historic arcades; these environments can provide practical benchmarks for enamelwork and workshop practices. These checks help ensure the item is worth pursuing and that the provenance story is coherent across sources.
Discuss findings with a trusted colleague such as marius or a друзья (друг) mentor to gain external input, and, if possible, review the full set of documents yourself to build a complete, defendable case. If the documentation aligns, the process should remain transparent for future inquiries by visitors and scholars alike, and the notes should be stored in a structured file for easy reference.
Section B: Cloisonné Craft Details – Moscow 1890s Enamels and Color Shading
Visiting our Moscow study, metro access makes inspections efficient; you should begin with a close-up check of the metal and enamel layers. theyll notice tight wire partitions and smooth shading; look for an even glaze and a wiped surface to confirm handling history.
The Cloisonné craft from Moscow 1890s uses a copper core, with fine wire partitions forming cells. Enamels are ground to a fine powder and fused in multiple cycles; shading comes from layering, typically 4–6 passes for a seamless gradient. Forms and units include tazza, bowls, plaques, and small vases; various designs show florals, birds, and geometric borders. The cluster of marks often includes alexandrov or ovchinnikov, with lenins appearing on some pieces. A Russian note расписаться may appear in catalogs to indicate workshop signatures; каким знак? or какой знак confirms origin in some cases, so collectors verify with provenance.
New-made pieces exist; to avoid overpaying, compare shading depth and wire quality; any sign of modern fill or altered glaze should set a price alert. Money value depends on condition, marks, and rarity; a strong selection will show better long-term chance to hold appeal for collectors. Visitors who study multiple examples should note these cues to build a reliable collection.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Base | Copper core with gilt accents; enamel adheres to a clean surface |
Enamel colors | Blue, green, amber, lilac; subtle shading achieved through 4–6 glaze cycles |
Wire partitions | 0.2–0.4 mm wires, tight and evenly spaced |
Forms (units) | Tazza, bowls, plaques, small vases; varied selection for display |
Marks & signatures | alexandrov, ovchinnikov; lenins; cluster of marks |
Dating window | 1890s Moscow; patina and pigment layers confirm range |
Condition cues | Chips, wear, or wiped surfaces; flea signs may indicate repairs or later restoration |
Provenance cues | Collectors should trace through catalogs; расписаться appears on some records and can guide authenticity |
Section B: Marks, Signatures, and Studio Attribution for Vasily Agafonov
Verify the signature and marks within minutes of inspection: look for a clear signature or studio stamp that matches Vasily Agafonov catalogs, then compare with trusted references before any listing or bidding.
Marks and signatures start with a legible, dated mark. Look for “Vasily Agafonov” or “V. Agafonov” in Latin or Cyrillic scripts, and note any accompanying studio initials. In the 19th century, signatures often appear alongside a small studio crest or workshop name, sometimes integrated with enamel goods to indicate provenance.
Studio attribution relies on a cluster of indicators: a main signature plus secondary marks, control stamps, or country-of-origin stamps. Spots of old enamel and minor tool marks can align with a known atelier, while mismatched combinations suggest later attribution or reproduction. A reliable attribution often rests on a documented chain of custody and a documented set of marks rather than a single signature.
Techniques and materials illuminate attribution: cloisonné and champleve borders, or plisque-a-jour openings, signal Russian enamel practice of the period. Enamel quality, the density of color fields, and the transitions through the metal teach the workshop’s hand. Look for densest, even cloisonné work around the edges, with plique-a-jour punctures that allow light to pass through the color in thin sections, a hallmark of serious atelier production.
Dating and motifs help separate workshops: a samovara motif, a cluster of floral bouquets, or a repeated geometric pattern may point to a specific studio. Units of measurement, backplate marks, and inscribed dates can narrow the century–often pointing to late 19th or early 20th century practice. If a mark appears faded, document with high-resolution photos and compare against enamel specialist databases; a thorough check reduces the risk of returned items after sale because an attribution proves unstable. If you find a piece described as “V. Agafonov” with an ambiguous or missing secondary stamp, request a provenance note and a current accounting of the piece’s history.
Practical steps to secure a solid attribution: request a certificate from a verified appraiser, gather catalogs from reputable stores, and cross-check with museum or auction house records. Avoid flea-market denotations and rely on established stores and professional evaluation. When a mark is uncertain, seek a second opinion and document the date, signature, and enamel technique, including whether the piece shows cloisonné, champleve, or plique-a-jour workmanship. If a seller claims a high value based on “century” aesthetics, verify the date with exact marks, not assumptions, and track the cost against the piece’s condition and restoration history, because every alteration affects perceived value and potential salary implications for regional dealers. Finally, note any unusual catalog numbers like виде4сломанные or other codes that require clarification from the seller, since such entries may indicate non-standard attributions or later modifications. Samovars and other traditional motifs can anchor attribution, but they must be supported by authentic marks and credible documentation rather than opinion.
Section C: Market Signals – Rarity, Demand, and Pricing Trends for Russian Silver Gilt Cloisonné
Recommendation: Target Russian silver gilt cloisonné items with documented provenance, legible marks, and intact gilt; these signals reliably boost value. In recent auction cycles, small cups and bracelets described as Russian silver gilt cloisonné typically move around 4,000–12,000 USD; larger vases or service pieces reach 15,000–40,000 USD, and exceptionally well-provenanced items by a recognized producer can exceed 75,000 USD. When photographs from the original catalog are available for download and reviewed, you improve accuracy and confidence.
Rarity cues: There are relatively few surviving Russian silver gilt cloisonné pieces with pristine enamel in major collections; an estimated 150–250 publicly documented items exist worldwide, with a heavy concentration in national museums. These ratios tighten price expectations, especially if the piece features a distinctive architecture or motif. If a new discovery appears on the planet, or at a destination like Arbat, market dynamics shift quickly, and buyers chase verified examples.
Demand drivers: Museums, private collectors, and high-end investors increasingly target cloisonné from the Russian imperial era; commissions during a комиссией of a recognized expert add credibility. When a piece passes through such a комиссией and receives authentication, demand rises among serious buyers who want tangible history, not just decorative value. These factors push prices higher in well-sourced lots and boost activity in destination markets where tourism intersects with antiques.
Pricing trends and risk factors: There is a premium for items tied to well-known workshops or marked by a respected producer; price volatility depends on condition, enamel depth, and whether the item turned or suffered restoration. Minor enamel loss or surface wear can subtract 20–35% from peak values, while intact patina and original clasps or bases preserve premium levels. Interestingly, pieces with rare color schemes or unusual motifs tend to outsell more common designs, especially when accompanied by solid provenance.
Verification steps: Use high-resolution photographs to inspect enamel lines, gilding, and marks; download catalogs from archives to compare details; check references with a museum or a reputable appraiser; ensure the producer’s mark matches established engravings and verify any dates with documentary evidence. Where possible, compare with similar items housed in куперами or museums to calibrate expectations and reduce risk.
Action plan: When you pick a piece, start with provenance, mark checks, and condition notes; keep everything in a digital folder that includes photographs, catalog pages, and any рассn schedules or certificates. Follow up with a formal appraisal by a руководителü of an established antiques house, then reach out to a trusted buyer network in destinations like Moscow’s Arbat or other tourist-heavy districts. Youre advised to verify details, then negotiate from a solid, data-backed position to maximize return on real, collectible treasure.
Section D: Appraisal Workflow at Tabunov Antiques – Documentation, Valuation, and Delivery
Begin with a written appraisal brief for each item within 24 hours of viewing. This documentation anchors your valuation and delivery plan, with a concise description, high-resolution photos, and clear provenance notes.
Documentation includes identity, markings, era, origin, and provenance. We attach a layer-by-layer condition report, noting repairs, patination, or alterations. grigory, руководителем, oversees антиквариату records to ensure accuracy, and the written file links each image to the item’s history, including night photographs and certificates, поводу which may surface in correspondence.
Valuation uses a structured framework that translates into a price range. We consider condition, rarity, technique, provenance, and market demand. For example, 19th-century Russian items with plique-a-jour enamel can fall in a range from $2,000 to $12,000; Lenins-era memorabilia with solid documentation may reach $3,000–$20,000; common accessories from the era typically range $300–$2,500. In этом контексте, the goal is to reflect your interests and worth accurately, while maintaining a credible market baseline.
Delivery covers packaging, insurance, and carrier selection. We prepare tamper-evident, purpose-built crates for fragile items, including arcade pieces or ornate display items, and we coordinate with trusted logistics partners to ensure buildings and walls are protected during transit. Our team provides a fixed delivery window and updates you if delays occur; viewing appointments can be scheduled for evenings or night sessions to suit your calendar.
People and process ensures clear ownership and accountability. grigory, руководителем, signs off on the written appraisal files; a dedicated team of employees handles documentation, photography, and secure packaging. The archive includes details on accessories and features, including plique-a-jour technique notes, Lenins memorabilia, and famous pieces in the collection. If a client prefers, they can bring a daughter or other family member for a private viewing, in a reserved area within the arcade showroom, with the brick walls of our historic buildings providing a quiet backdrop.
Quality controls ensure that every item passes a final check before delivery. We review the documentation, confirm the valuation, and dispatch with tracking information. For your records, we provide a written certificate of appraisal that includes item name, date, scope, valuation, and terms. This supports your confidence across our famous inventory, including rare works on paper, Russian antiques, and accessories that suit your space.