[0.875 SILVER] I.P. Chlebnikov, Moscow - Teaspoon for Dried Tea Leaves/Sugar, Tsarist Russia, 1908–1917

I.P. Khlebnikov, Moscow – Teaspoon for Dried Tea/Sugar, Tsarist Russia, 1908–1917, 84 zolotniks (875/1000) fine silver
Russia, Russian Empire, Moscow, Ivan Petrovich Khlebnikov’s company, 1908–1917. Silver of 84 zolotniks fineness, corresponding to 875/1000. The silver is embossed, forged, and chased; the handle is engraved.
The object takes the form of a small, wide spoon with a relatively shallow, elongated bowl that widens toward the end, featuring an almost straight front edge. This shape is that of a spoon for scooping dried tea leaves—a so-called “caddy spoon”—also used for sugar.
The slender handle widens toward the end into a flat, oval-shaped grip. Its surface is adorned with a restrained, asymmetrical floral design consisting of a stylized flower or fruit, leaves, and a softly drawn stem. The ornament is executed in the late Art Nouveau style, characteristic of the functional pieces produced by Russian goldsmith firms in the early 20th century. The bowl has been left smooth, which emphasizes the object’s utilitarian nature.
On the reverse side of the handle is a distinct “ХЛЕБНИКОВЪ” trademark, above which is a double-headed eagle—a symbol of the company’s right to use the imperial emblem as a supplier to the court. Next to it is the Russian state hallmark featuring a woman’s head in a kokoshnik facing to the right, the letter Δ, and the number 84. The letter Δ denotes the Moscow Assay Office, while “84” indicates a fineness of 84 zolotniks, or 875/1000. This type of hallmark was used from 1908 onward, allowing the item to be dated very precisely to 1908–1917.
Ivan Petrovich Khlebnikov (1819–1881), a Moscow goldsmith. After his death, his sons ran the business, retaining the family name and the company’s hallmarks; from the late 19th century onward, it operated as “I.P. Khlebnikov, Sons & Co.” The company was one of Russia’s leading goldsmith workshops and remained in operation until the revolution and nationalization in 1918.
Condition: as shown in the photos.