A silver trompe l'oeil tea and coffee service, Sazikov, Moscow, 1877

comprising a coffee pot, tea pot, covered sugar bowl and creamer, the surfaces cast as wrapped birch, the lids as a cloth, the finials as peasants at rest, ivory insulators, gilt interiors, 84 standard, later Austrian import mark; with a matching tray, Ovchinnikov, 1871, 84 standard

The tray, coffee pot, tea pot and sugar bowl with evidence of having previously been gilt. The sugar bowl lid ill fitting and the figure very slightly loose, the coffee pot lid with loose binding string and apparently unmarked. Two of the figures lacking bowls. The sugar bowl with light dent to the foot, approx 2cm accross and 2mm deep. The creamer marked IS (Cyrillic), partially rubbed, 84 standard. All with light scratches to the underside of the bases, the tray with surface scratches to the topside, all consistent with age and use.
"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."