Catalogue

Samovar in the Shape of an Egg
Shemarin Brothers’ Manufactory, Tula, 1880s
Silver-plated brass, wood
Height: 45 cm (including the chimney cap)

This silver-plated brass samovar, crafted in the form of an egg, represents the refined aesthetic and exceptional quality of the Shemarin Brothers’ Manufactory in Tula — one of the foremost samovar producers of late Imperial Russia. The harmonious proportions, fine polish, and elegant detailing reflect the high standards of Tula metalwork in the late 19th century.

The Shemarin Brothers manufactured samovars at a time when Russian tea ceremonies had become a hallmark of cultured domestic life. Their samovars were sought after not only by the Russian nobility and intelligentsia but also by Persian shahs, Indian maharajas, and European aristocrats, who appreciated both their craftsmanship and their aura of Russian luxury.

The dynasty began with Ivan Rodionovich Shemarin, a former serf who earned his freedom and, together with his wife Agrippina and five sons, settled in the Tula province. In 1887, the brothers established their own manufactory, which quickly grew into one of the largest in Russia. By 1904, their enterprise ranked second only to the famed Batashev factory, employing over 700 workers and producing up to 6,000 samovars per month.

Their products gained international acclaim, receiving more than ten medals at world fairs — including a silver medal at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle and an honorary diploma at the 1901 Glasgow Exhibition. In 1906, the Shemarins were appointed official suppliers to the Shah of Persia, a distinction shared by only a handful of firms worldwide. A year later, they produced several miniature samovars for Emperor Nicholas II.

The factory’s hallmark was variety and precision: more than a hundred models were made, ranging from traditional coal samovars to alcohol-burning and silver-plated types. Each was inspected personally by the eldest brother before leaving the workshop — a testament to their commitment to excellence.

Starting price: 600€
Estimate: 800-1000€
Hammer Price: Not sold

A battle scene from the First World War (1914-1918). Mixed technique. The signature on the background: “The work of Academician N. S. Samokish-professor of battle painting of the Academy of Arts.” Artist: Nikolai Semyonovich Samokish, a Russian and Soviet battle painter, teacher, animalist, and book graphic artist. Academician of Painting and a full member of the Imperial Academy of Arts, Honored Artist of the RSFSR, and recipient of the Stalin Prize (second degree). Dimensions with a frame: 43 x 53 cm.

Starting price: 1500€
Estimate: 1800-2500€

Attributed to A. Orlovskiy (1777-1832). “Ural Cossack on patrol”. Oil on canvas. 1810s.
Dimensions: 52 x 45 x 1.2 cm.

Starting price: 800€
Estimate: 1000-1200€

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: Not sold

Documents related to the abdication of Russian Emperor Nicholas II in March 1917:

First page (first side)
This is the original copy of telegram No. 7 from the Chief of Staff of the 28th Army Corps dated March 4, 1917, typed on a typewriter and addressed to Major General Zalesky, Commander of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, and Captain Zateplinsky, Chief of Staff of the 60th Infantry Division, sent immediately after the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II. The telegram is verified, certified, and originally signed in ink (not a facsimile) by the adjutant of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, Lieutenant (the signature’s surname is illegible). The text includes the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II in Pskov on March 2, 1917.
The telegram is subject to immediate publication.

First page (second side)
This is the original copy of telegram No. 7 from the Chief of Staff of the 28th Army Corps dated March 4, 1917, typed on a typewriter and addressed to Major General Zalesky, Commander of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, and Captain Zateplinsky, Chief of Staff of the 60th Infantry Division. The telegram is verified, certified, and originally signed in ink (not a facsimile) by the adjutant of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, Lieutenant (the signature’s surname is illegible).
The page is titled *Manifesto of Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich*.
The text includes the *Manifesto of Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich* (brother of Emperor Nicholas II), dated March 3, 1917, in which he refuses to assume power from Emperor Nicholas II. The telegram was sent to Pskov on March 4, 1917, No. 1272/b at 6:15 AM, signed by Ruzsky.
The telegram is subject to immediate publication.
For information: General of Infantry Ruzsky was present at the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II.

Sheet No. 2
This is the original copy of the telegram from General of Infantry Danilov, sent at 6:00 AM on March 4, 1917, typed on a typewriter and addressed to Major General Zalesky, Chief of Staff. The telegram is verified, certified, and signed in ink by the adjutant of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, Lieutenant (the signature’s surname is illegible).
For information: General of Infantry Yuri Danilov was present at the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II.

The telegram is titled – *Order to the Army and Navy No. 1 by Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich Jr.*, following his appointment as Supreme Commander of the Army and Navy of the Russian Empire by Emperor Nicholas II.
A brief historical note: The appointment of Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich to the position of Supreme Commander of the Army and Navy of the Russian Empire was the last order of Emperor Nicholas II before his abdication on March 2, 1917.
Order No. 1 of Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich was possibly his first and last order, as he held this position for only about 10 days before being forced to leave under pressure from the Provisional Government, never having begun his duties.

Dimensions of the sheets: 36 x 22 cm.

Starting price: 5000€
Estimate: 7000-10000€

A Rare Russian Imperial Brass Samovar in Neoclassical Form – Late 19th Century.
Height: 51.5 cm.

This exquisite Russian Imperial brass samovar, dating from the late 19th century, showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. Designed in a refined neoclassical style, the samovar is a stunning example of Russian artistry and tradition. Its beautifully polished brass body features intricate details that embody the neoclassical aesthetic, making it a standout piece for any collector or connoisseur of Russian antiques.

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.

Starting price: 10000€
Estimate: 12000-15000€
Hammer Price: Not sold

A Russian Imperial silver and cloisonné enamel brooch in the shape of a kindjal. St. Petersburg, late 19th century.
Length: 6.4 cm. Weight: 6.5 g.

Starting price: 150€
Estimate: 200-250€

An authentic 19th-century miniature travel samovar by renowned Tula craftsman Vasily Karshinikov. Standing at 23.7 cm, this compact yet elegant piece reflects the traditions of Russian tea culture and Tula craftsmanship. Ideal for antique collections or historic-style interiors.

Starting price: 400€
Estimate: 500-600€
Hammer Price: Not sold