An Elizabeth I mid-18^th century Russian 84 zolotnik (875 standard) silver gilt ecclesiastical tazza, Moscow 1760 by Petr Afinogenov (B. 1726)

Of circular form with a dished centre raised upon a detachable spreading and stepped circular foot. The top with engraved ecclesiastical decoration of the infant christ within a heavenly manger flnaked by two angels, all surmounted by the dove (holy ghost). The edge engraved with three cartouches with Cyrillic text flanked by foliate scrolls. The foot with embossed decoration stylised leaves and fluting. Marked to rim edge with town/date mark, assayer mark B.A (unidentified active 1760-92 Postnikova 2084), alderman’s mark (untraced) and maker’s mark ПA (Postnikova 2770), the foot rim edge with town mark and standard mark (84), assay scrapes to interior of top of foot.

Diameter – 21.7 cm / 8.55 inches

Weight – 391 grams / 12.57 ozt

Recorded as a maker of ecclesiastical objects; chased icon frame (oklad), cross, censor, crown.