RARE IMPERIAL PRESENT KOVSH GIFTED BY THE TSARS IVAN V (1666 - Lot 12

RARE IMPERIAL PRESENT KOVSH GIFTED BY THE TSARS IVAN V (1666-1696) AND PIERRE IER LE GRAND (1672-1725) IN 1682, in silver and gilt silver 800 thousandths, oval in shape, the basin with central repoussé and finely chased decoration of the double-headed eagle of the Russian Empire on a background engraved with a stylus of foliage, encircled by a medallion with repoussé and engraved decoration of a frieze of stylized foliage. The raised grip, perpendicular to the basin, is engraved with an urn, flowers and foliage. The inner part of the prow is engraved with a motif similar to the grip, and ends in a stylized pinecone or flower bud. The outer rim is engraved in alternating bands of four medallions with the Cyrillic inscription reading: "By the grace of God, Great sovereigns, tsars and great princes Ioann Alexeyevich and Peter Alexeyevich, autocrats of all Great, Little and White Russia, have gratified with this kovsh the head of the customs and liquor bureau of ancient Russia, Ivan Vasiliev, for his service, for in the year 1682, on July 16, he collected the monetary treasures of their majesties". Work circa 1682. No apparent hallmark. Inscribed number 1002 and number 4 in black ink on the reverse of the grip (probable later collection inventory numbers). Maximum height at the grip: 13 cm. Length: 28 cm. Width: 20 cm. Weight: 421.5 g. (Wear, slight deformation and scattered knocks).