Rarity silver alloy is a material evidence of a bygone historical era. Few people know that the old Sample 84 has a modern counterpart, which can be purchased in almost every jewelry boutique.
However, it is worth separating the value of the precious metal itself and the antique value.
What is sterling silver: composition and properties
84 silver standard can be found on antique items that were branded according to the spool sample system. In Russia this system was used until 1927, after which it was replaced by the metric method of calculation.
The zolotnik system was introduced in Russia from the very beginning of the branding of precious alloys, from 1798. It was based on the Russian pound, containing 96 gold pieces.
The assay 84 on the item reported that one pound of such an alloy contained 84 parts of pure precious metal, with the remainder coming from impurities. Pure silver was considered a value of 96, so the extraneous elements were only 12 parts of this alloy.
The composition of the material may have included the following impurities:
- Cadmium;
- Zinc;
- Nickel;
- Aluminum;
- Copper;
Depending on the percentage of elements, the alloy could have different casting and performance characteristics. For example, cadmium made the alloy easier to melt, nickel made it harder, and copper increased its wear resistance.
Silver 84 contains 87.5% of pure precious metal. It does not tarnish, does not deform, and is resistant to mechanical damage. Due to the impurities in its composition, it is much stronger than pure silver.
History of the alloy, when it appeared, conversion to the metric system
The date of the appearance of the alloy is considered the year of the beginning of branding precious objects in Russia.
The decree of Peter the Great concerning the issues of approbation and trade in jewelry was the beginning of branding. The decree that emerged protected the interests of bona fide manufacturers, fair competition, and the state itself.
Prior to this decree, only the branding had been applied. silverware. However, the stamp did not tell us about the purity of the precious metal, it was just a confirmation that the ornament was really precious. This period was characterized by a large variety of imprints, as there was no universal seal.
Silver 84 was one of the most popular materials. Since 1798, items of decoration, religious paraphernalia, and jewelry accessories containing the "84" imprint began to appear.
Only well-to-do people could afford products made of this material. It is worth noting that today such products are considered antiques, which further increases their value.
To convert from the spool system to the metric system, divide the spool value by 96 and then multiply by a thousand:
(84 / 96) * 1000 = 875
Thus, silver 84 corresponds to the ubiquitous 875 sample.
Changing the stamp on an antique 84
On silver 84 stigma was as follows:
- The numerical value of the sample;
- Impression of a female profile in a kokoshnika;
- The initials of the supervisors or master;
The branding was changed in 1908: the girl's profile was turned from right to left, it was allowed to mark the year of manufacture, and it was also required to indicate the code of the area of production.
For example, the stamp "84 OS AS 1985" should be read as follows: 84 spittoons, OS - initials of the master, AS - initials of the owner of the company, 1985 - year of issue.
The stamp 84 on silver usually looks like a rectangle with rounded edges, inside which is inscribed information about the product.
The silver articles could also bear coat-of-arms stamps. For example, an imprint of George the Victorious striking the beast with his spear indicates that the jewelry work was assayed at the Moscow Assay Office.
The use of the royal assay then and now
Silver of 84 proof is now used to create cutlery, inexpensive jewelry, caskets, ashtrays and souvenirs. The material is highly durable, so it is used for products that are subject to constant physical impact.
Antique royal silver was used to create the following things:
Cookware and cutlery
Silverware peaked in popularity in the 1840s and 1940s as trade between countries expanded during this period. Tsarist Russia produced a wide variety of silverware: spoonsThe table was served with precious tableware, forks, knives, goblets, plates, decanters, teapots, and coffee pots. It was considered a rule of etiquette for nobles to serve the table with precious tableware.
Silver kitchen utensils were valued for their antibacterial properties, status, and lack of toxic effects on the body.
Decor items
The hallmark of the 84th quality silver can be seen on candlesticks, vases, cup holders, and frames. Russian jewelers used to put their initials on such items, and the work itself was done by the technique of casting and carving.
Antique collectibles
Such jewelry works include cigarette cases, caskets, and statuettes. Crosses, icons, and coins of pre-revolutionary Russia with 84 markings are of great value to collectors.
Accessories
Alloy was used for casting rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and chains. Nowadays this material is hardly ever used to create jewelry. The most sought-after modern assay is is 925.
Of particular cultural and historical value are the items produced by the jewelry companies of Khlebnikov, Sazikov, Ovchinnikov, and Postnikov. These distinguished workshops appeared in the 17th century. They were distinguished by the production of truly masterpiece products, worthy of the nobles and kings.
Antique price of 1 gram of the treasure of tsarist Russia
Items of 84 proof have historical value, artistic originality. They reflect the tsarist period, the manners of the era and the stylistics. That is why antique items with a mark of 84 have a price significantly higher than the nominal.
The older the jewelry piece, the more you can get for it at various online auctions, antique dealers and buyers. The cost of one gram royal silver starts at 150 rubles, however, more often the antiques are valued many times over.
Table: cost of 1 gram of modern analog
The value of any alloy depends on the price of pure precious metal set by the Central Bank of Russia. To determine the current value of a sample, you need to multiply the current price of the highest alloy by the required coefficient.
The price of pure silver for 2021 is about 47 rubles per gram. 84 marking corresponds to the modern 875 proof.
Then calculate the actual cost of the royal counterpart is as follows:
47 * 0.875 = 41.1 rubles per gram.
The table below shows the approximate cost of the precious metal in pawnshops, jewelry shops and banks:
| The price of 999 tests according to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, rubles. | The market value of the 875 sample, rubles. | Scrap price, rub. | Price in jewelry boutiques, rubles. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | 41,1 | 3 | 60 |
Where you can buy 875 proof silver
Jewelry with this marking is sold in Russia and abroad. You can find them in jewelry boutiques, pawnshops, pawnshops, church stores, private workshops, at various exhibitions and online auctions.
Definitely do not buy jewelry from hand, there is the greatest risk of encountering a fake.
Where you can find items of 84 proof today
There are many sites on the Internet devoted to articles of the royal precious metal. The most famous resource is the auction "Volmar", where you can buy a variety of numismatics and antiques.
Utilitarian jewelry works of ordinary and well-known workshops are sold many times cheaper than rare collectibles. The cost of the latter can reach several hundred thousand rubles.
You can buy jewelry of 84th quality at various exhibitions dedicated to the era of the USSR and Czarist Russia, from buyers, antique dealers, flea markets, and so on. markets.
Many works of royal silver are kept in museums of our country, their cost reaches several million rubles.
What is the reason for their rarity and value
The high price of such products is explained by the fact that they are no longer produced. The 84th quality items are collector's items and trade objects.
Artisans of the past engaged renowned artists and architects to create sketches of items that would be different from the competition.
It should be borne in mind that the antiques include rare items over 100 years old.
Rules of storage and gentle care of items of sample 84
Antique metal should be stored very carefully. For this purpose, caskets or boxes with a hard frame and soft padding inside are suitable.
Items with 84 markings should be stored separately from other jewelry. The place should be dry, and desiccant materials, such as activated carbon or silica gel, can be placed inside the jewelry box.
If your jewelry is inlaid with precious stones, you should use a specialized cleanser to care for minerals.
Worn regularly and over time, products can become dull. It is advisable to clean them with a mixture of salt and baking soda. The components are mixed in identical proportions, applied to the items, and after 1-2 hours, the jewelry must be thoroughly rinsed under running water.
Important!
Silver is damaged by household chemicals, certain medicines, perfumes, cosmetics, and acids. It is worth protecting the product from contact with these substances.
Video: antique silver 84 proof. advantages of the alloy
Reviews
I found silver in my dacha, I saw the marking 84 on the item for the first time, and I went on the Internet to find out what it could mean. It turned out that I have in my hands a real treasure - a powder-box from the times of Tsarist Russia! I kept it for myself, it will become a family heirloom.
I inherited a silver sugar bowl from my grandmother. Branded inside - "84 TP 1830", next to the image of a rider. Took the product to the buyers, where I was told the approximate price of this antique - 50 thousand rubles. I think to sell it in a couple of years, when the cost is still a little more rise.
I saw the inscription on the cupholder - "silver 84 AG VNR", next to the imprint of a woman. I never would have thought that all this time I had such an antique in my apartment. Now I try to take care of it regularly and use it very rarely.
Jeweler's comment
The alloy of 84 gold pieces is virtually no different from the popular 875 proof. Their compositions are virtually identical, the entire value lies in the historical significance.
Sample 84 is a hard-wearing material with a presentable appearance and excellent performance characteristics, but its modern counterpart is completely unsuitable for investment.
