Silver tray 925 silver gold-plated oval Troika

Gold frames silver, ornament frames narrative: On this oval tray made of 925 sterling silver, two principles of Russian silversmithing meet – the decorative power of gilding and the narrative depth of hand-engraving. The rim features plastically crafted acanthus rocaille in warm gold, while the center holds a silver pictorial medallion with a hand-engraved Troika scene: three horses in a sleigh, a winter landscape, a coachman riding as if he didn't want to arrive.

At a Glance

• Length: 415 mm
• Width: 280 mm
• Height: 10 mm
• Weight: approx. 975 g
• Material: 925 Sterling Silver with electrolytic gilding
• Gilding thickness: 0.5 microns
• Central motif: Troika – hand-engraved three-horse team scene
• Gilded zones: Outer rim (acanthus ornament) and middle ring zone
• Central pictorial medallion: natural silver, matted, not gilded
• Hallmark: present
• Gift box: included

Material and Workmanship

The tray is divided into three clearly discernible zones. The outermost zone is the loudest: continuous acanthus rocaille, plastically worked out of the silver, completely gilded, with four symmetrical cartouches at the axis ends. This is followed by a wide, smooth ring zone – also gilded, but calm, without relief. The center is cooler and quieter: an oval pictorial medallion in natural silver, matted finish, without gilding, into which the Troika scene has been hand-engraved.

925 Sterling Silver means 92.5% fine silver, alloyed with 7.5% copper for form stability. The Russian state hallmark confirms the fineness and the manufacturer's mark SevChern. The gilding is applied as an electrolytic layer of 0.5 microns on the silver – permanently adhesive as long as it is not mechanically abraded.

The tray is manufactured by SevChern in Veliky Ustyug, one of the most important centers of Russian silver processing. The Troika scene is hand-engraved with a burin: deep lines appear darker, shallow ones lighter, creating light and shadow without color – a technique that cannot be replicated mechanically.

Use and Occasions

The Troika – three horses side-by-side at full gallop – is one of the central images of Russian culture, a symbol of freedom and expansiveness, invoked by Gogol in the last chapter of "Dead Souls." On this tray, it becomes a motif that not only adorns but narrates.

For a wedding, this tray is a piece that remains on the shared table when other gifts have long been forgotten. For a milestone birthday or anniversary, it carries the weight of the occasion – literally and figuratively. As a prestigious corporate gift or a collector's item of Russian silversmithing, it is just as suitable as a functional presentation surface in a festive setting.

Engraving and SilberVerse Card

Personal engraving is possible upon request. SevChern individually assesses for each piece what form and placement of engraving is possible on the already engraved medallion and will make concrete suggestions. Additionally, you can choose a SilberVerse card: 15 × 10 cm in landscape format, currently designed for free, as a personal unique item to accompany the gift.

Care

Hand wash with warm water and mild dish soap, dried with a soft cloth. No dishwasher, no scouring powder. Gently remove tarnish from the silver with a silver polishing cloth. The gilding is more delicate than the silver itself – use soft materials, no abrasive agents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Troika motif mean?
The Troika – three horses side-by-side – is one of the central symbols of Russian folk art. It stands for freedom, expansiveness, and the Russian soul, with precursors in 18th and 19th-century art.

Is the Troika scene hand-engraved?
Yes, the figurative scene in the center is hand-engraved with a burin – with varying line thicknesses and light-shadow contrasts that cannot be achieved mechanically.

How long does the gilding last?
The electrolytic gilding (0.5 microns) adheres permanently as long as it is not mechanically damaged. With gentle care, it will last for years.

You might also be interested in

Further pieces of 925 silver can be found in the Cutlery and Silverware Collection. For weddings or anniversaries, our selection of Gift Ideas in 925 Silver is also suitable.