Woolley & Wallis
Lot 217
A late-19th century Russian silver gilt and cloisonné and champlève enamel presentation punch bowl and five kovsh, by Ivan Saltykov, Moscow circa 1899, retailed by Fabergé, circular baluster form, with varicoloured foliate scroll decoration, on a matted background, rope-work borders, with two cartouches inscribed 'Presented to the officers 21st Pioneers by Captain N.M.C. Stevens on promotion Moscow 11th February 1899', the top enamelled in Russian 'Peter I ordered to drink', the kovsh with similar decoration and with hanging hook ends, in the original fitted Faberge case, diameter of bowl 18.5cm, height 13,5, length of kovsh 11cm, approx. total gross weight 35oz. (6)Provenance: Acquired by Nathaniel Melhuish Comins Stevens (1868 –1954) in 1899. By descent to the present owner. Nathaniel Melhuish Comins Stevens was commissioned from RMC Sandhurst into the Indian Army in 1890. By 1895, he started a three-year language course in Moscow. But these studies were interrupted when, at his own expense, he returned to serve in his Regiment during the Afghan War of 1897- 1898. Upon his return to Moscow to complete his course, he was due for promotion to Captain. At that time, it was customary for officers to present a piece of silver to their Regiment on promotion to Captain. Stevens purchased the present lot for his Regiment, and for many years it stood on a centre table in the entrance hall of the Officers' Mess. During a Ladies' Guest Night, a woman was seen by a Mess servant putting one of the kovshi from the set into her handbag. This was reported to the Mess Committee, who then considered if and how they should attempt to recover the kovsh without a public scandal. However, the history of their deliberations has not survived, and the kovsh was never recovered.During WW1 Colonel Stevens commanded the 107th Pioneers in Flanders and the Middle East. On his retirement he was awarded the CMG and the Russian Order of St Anne, Second Class, with swords for valour.In 1933 the Regiment was disbanded, and items of silver that had been presented to the Officers' Mess over the years were returned to their donors. This set has remained in the family ever since.