Lot 0194
Imperial Russian Samovar by the BUCH Brothers
Estimate: 8000-10000€
Imperial Russian Samovar
By the Buch Brothers (Gebrüder Buch), Warsaw, mid–19th century
Silver-plated brass
Height: 43.5 cm
A rare samovar crafted by the Buch Brothers manufactory, operating in Warsaw during the period when Poland was part of the Russian Empire. This example, distinguished by its sculptural form and intricate metalwork, represents one of the few surviving samovars attributed to this renowned maker.
The body is pear-shaped with narrow vertical fluting. The domed lid, decorated with alternating wide and narrow ovals, merges seamlessly with a conical, pierced chimney. The spout and supports are richly ornamented with vegetal motifs, while the handles — composed of paired, upward-curving elements — imitate stylized plant stems. The baluster-shaped base rests on four circular feet, giving the piece a graceful silhouette.
The Gebrüder Buch firm was first mentioned in 1809, when it established a workshop in St. Petersburg for the production of buttons and metal decorations for military uniforms. Its later owners, Agaton Buch and Karl Ludwig Mauss, were awarded a gold medal by Emperor Alexander II in 1865 for “Diligence and Artistry.”
In the 1860s, Buch and Mauss purchased the Henniger silver-plating factory located at Żelazna Street No. 1146 in Warsaw, marking a new chapter in the company’s history. Their products soon gained recognition for exceptional quality and design. At the Moscow Polytechnic Exhibition of 1872, the Buch Brothers received a gold medal and the right to use the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle emblem on their wares — a privilege granted only to distinguished suppliers.
In 1882, the company merged with its long-time trade partner Norblin & Co., forming the Joint Stock Company of Metal Factories Norblin, Buch Brothers & T. Werner (N.B.W.), one of the most important metallurgical enterprises in Warsaw
Starting price: 7000€
Estimate: 8000-10000€
Hammer Price: UNSOLD€
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The body is smooth and tapering, encircled at the top and bottom by a relief frieze of small circular ornaments. The domed lid rises to a conical chimney with a detachable pierced collar forming a decorative pattern. The spout stem is shaped with a central ringed molding, while the spout’s bracket features a curved, sculptural design. Handles are composed of paired, upward-curving plates with cast vegetal ornament, attached to the body with oval relief mounts. The base rests on four claw-shaped feet extending forward, giving the piece a bold, architectural balance.
The overall silhouette — massive yet refined — recalls the profile of a cannon, a form that became popular among Warsaw and Tula craftsmen in the mid-19th century as a symbol of strength and innovation.
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The samovar bears the maker’s mark of the prestigious I. Kaprizin and Sons manufactory, renowned for producing high-quality metalworks in Tula, the historical center of Russian samovar production. This adds significant provenance and authenticity to the piece, further elevating its value.
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Lot 0192
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Estimate: 900-1000€Small Samovar “Egoist” in the Form of a Faceted Cup
Maker’s mark of TUM (Mikhail Polyakov), Tula, 19th century
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Height: 24.5 cmA rare miniature brass samovar known as an “Egoist”, designed for a single person and holding less than one litre. The body is shaped as a faceted cup with smooth walls, gracefully curved handles, and a square base with turned feet. Despite its modest size, the samovar retains all the classical proportions and decorative elegance typical of full-sized examples.
This piece was made at the Polyakov Manufactory, founded in the 1850s by Grigory Dmitrievich Polyakov, a self-taught craftsman from Tula who transformed his small workshop into a thriving steam-powered factory. The enterprise produced medium and large samovars made of brass and tombac, known for their solid construction, excellent quality, and affordable prices.
By the second half of the 19th century, the factory was managed by Grigory’s son Mikhail Polyakov, whose hallmark “TUM” (Tula Union of Masters) appeared on many fine samovars of the period. His products were widely distributed across Russia and became known for their reliability and elegant simplicity.
The “Egoist” samovars — small, portable, and fuel-efficient — were often owned by bachelors or travelers. They heated quickly, consumed little fuel, and reflected the 19th-century fascination with refined practicality.
Later, the family business was continued by Ivan, Pyotr, Alexander, and Hevronia Polyakov, preserving the traditions of quality and craftsmanship established by their predecessors.
Comparable examples are held in the Museum of Samovars and Kettles, which documents the evolution of Russian tea culture and the artistry of Tula metalwork from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
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Lot 0193
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Height (without chimney): 45.5 cmThe body of the samovar is shaped as a vase with a tall neck. The upper section is decorated with faceted panels, while the lower part features concave oval impressions known as “lozhki.” The wide, flat shoulder supports a stepped lid with a central chimney. The paired, upward-curving handles are attached to the body with oval, embossed mounts.
This example belongs to the celebrated Malikov dynasty of Tula samovar makers, whose history dates back to the late 18th century. The founder, Stepan Malikov, was a gunsmith with three sons — Trofim, Ivan, and Dementy. It was Dementy who began samovar production around 1795, at a time when water-heating vessels were becoming increasingly popular in Russia.
The Malikovs were among the first Tula craftsmen to combine weapon and samovar production, often using the same tools and techniques for both trades. By 1803, the Malikov manufactory was one of the eight largest in Tula. During the War of 1812, the factory supplied weapons to the army, temporarily halting samovar production, which later resumed and flourished once again.
In the following decades, the family business passed through several generations, each contributing to its growth and reputation. In 1853, Nikolai Nikolaevich Malikov received a small silver medal at the 10th All-Russian Manufacturing Exhibition in Moscow. By the 1860s, the factory had earned merchant status of the 2nd guild, producing samovars of high quality and refined craftsmanship.
Although the Malikov manufactory ceased operation in 1882, when it was sold to Yegor Vanykin, its legacy remains a cornerstone of Russian metalwork and tea culture. Samovars bearing the Malikov mark are today considered rare examples of early Tula industrial art, combining durability, elegance, and distinctive family style..
Starting price: 800€
Estimate: 1000-1200€
Hammer Price: 800€