Teaglass Holder Set Capercaillie Hunt 925 Silver in Case — 3-piece with Teaspoon

A 3-piece tea glass holder set made of 925 sterling silver — consisting of a Podstakannik (classic Russian tea glass holder) with a capercaillie hunting scene in plastic high relief, a matching tea glass, and a teaspoon with a capercaillie sculpture crowning the handle. The capercaillie hunting motif (Russian "Глухариная охота") belongs to the classic Russian big game tradition — and is immediately recognizable in a Western European hunting context (Hubertus tradition, driven hunt). In a velvet-lined premium case — ready for gifting.

Capercaillie Hunt — The Classic Big Game Motif

The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is the most prestigious feathered game bird in European big game hunting. Capercaillie hunting takes place in April/May during the mating season — at sunrise in the high forest, when the displaying cock focuses on its song and becomes temporarily "deaf" (hence the Russian name Глухарь = "the deaf one"). In the Russian goldsmithing tradition, capercaillie hunting is one of the classics of silverware iconography, especially for gifts for hunters and foresters.

In this set, the motif is present twice: on the Podstakannik as a continuous plastic high-relief scene with capercaillie figures in a forest/birch depiction, and on the crowning of the teaspoon as a detailed 3D sculpture of a capercaillie with fanned tail and spread feathers. The set composes the hunting scene over two pieces — large image on the Podstakannik, solo sculpture on the spoon.

Podstakannik — Russian Tea Culture at the Table

The Podstakannik (Russian: подстаканник, "glass holder") is the traditional Russian tea-serving device. The idea: a thin-walled tea glass (good for the taste and appearance of the tea) is placed in a metal holder with an insulating handle so that the hot tea can be safely gripped and lifted. The Podstakannik became particularly well-known from the Russian railway tradition — to this day, tea is served in Podstakanniki on Russian long-distance trains.

In the aristocratic silverware context, Podstakanniki made of sterling silver with elaborate reliefs are a sign of classic representation — comparable to English tea services or Austrian mocha sets. Specifically, here:

✦ Tea glass holder made of 925 sterling silver, cast — inner diameter approx. 70 mm (fits classic standard-sized tea glasses)
✦ Plastic high relief with capercaillie hunting scene all around
✦ Classic handle for a secure grip
✦ 204 g of silver for the holder alone — solid construction
✦ Height approx. 100 mm, width with handle approx. 70 × 70 mm

Tea glass included in the set — classic thin-walled glass that fits into the Podstakannik. Note from the manufacturer: the glass pattern may vary slightly from the photo illustration.

Teaspoon with Capercaillie Crown — Antique Patinated

The included teaspoon is thematically matched to the set: filigree branch/twig handle with suggested bark modeling, plastic capercaillie sculpture as a crown (bird body with fanned tail and feather details), classic teardrop-shaped spoon bowl (140 × 10 mm).

Important for processing: The spoon is antique patinated — a superficial, thin blackening in the relief depressions that plastically highlights the capercaillie sculpture and the twig structure. This Argenta patination is not niello (niello is a different technique with molten black sulfur-silver paste, typical for the SevChern manufactory). In this piece, it is a superficial coating that serves two functions: antique appearance and protection against further tarnishing. It does not unintentionally disappear with everyday use — the raised areas can be carefully re-polished, the depressions retain their depth.

Silver weight of the spoon: 37 g. Solid cast from 925 sterling silver.

925 Sterling Silver — The Material Truth

Both silver pieces (Podstakannik + spoon) are made of 925 sterling silver, i.e., 92.5% pure silver, solid throughout. The set weighs a total of 643 g (with case), pure silver 241 g (Podstakannik 204 g + spoon 37 g).

The Podstakannik is cast with plastic high relief — the capercaillie scene protrudes clearly from the wall, with finely modeled feathers, trees, and compositional details. The teaspoon is antique patinated in the depressions for relief contrast.

What you need to know about this: pure silver tarnishes over time in everyday use — a chemical reaction with sulfur compounds in the air. For the Podstakannik, this means that the reflective high surfaces will become slightly duller over time, and the patina will accumulate more strongly in the relief depressions (which plastically emphasizes the hunting motif). With a soft silver polishing cloth, the high surfaces can be restored at any time; the depressions retain their depth and thus the scene.

Packaging — Ready for Gifting

The set comes in a fabric-covered premium case with velvet lining in deep navy blue. Case dimensions: 132 × 132 × 165 mm. All three pieces (Podstakannik, glass, spoon) are nestled in recessed forms — the appearance when opening is that of a small jewelry casket. Ready for gifting, without additional packaging logistics.

Note from the manufacturer: The case or box may vary in details depending on the shipping status — fabric and lining are handmade.

For Whom, For What Occasion

The Capercaillie Hunt Set is a high-quality premium gift in the rare category of genuine sterling silver tea culture combined with hunting iconography. It is suitable for occasions where value, tradition, and thematic material connotation should come together:

✦ Gift for hunters — Hubertus Day (November 3), hunting anniversary, driven hunt organizer, estate owner
✦ Forest master, gamekeeper, professional hunter — as an acknowledgment with a clear reference
✦ Retirement from a hunting/forestry profession — as a lasting heirloom
✦ Wedding anniversary for couples with a hunting hobby — silver or golden wedding
✦ Business partners with a hunting background — diplomatic gift in a suitable sphere
✦ Collectors of Russian silverware tradition or Podstakannik enthusiasts
✦ Travelers to Russia or railway enthusiasts — Podstakannik tea as a nostalgic symbol

If you are looking for other premium gifts in a similar sphere: Hunting gifts made of 925 silver with other game motifs, tea glass holder selection or gift sets made of 925 silver.

Engraving and Personalization

The Podstakannik offers space for engraving on the bottom or a smooth area of the inside. On the teaspoon, the back of the bowl or the smooth area of the handle can be engraved. We offer upon request:

✦ Initials / Monogram on the Podstakannik bottom
✦ Date + occasion (Hubertus Day, retirement, hunting anniversary) on the inner rim of the Podstakannik
✦ Initials on the spoon handle as a connecting gesture
✦ Hunting ground name / forestry reference for hunting professionals

We discuss font, depth, and position before execution.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Capercaillie Hunt Set

What is a Podstakannik?
The Podstakannik (Russian: подстаканник) is the traditional Russian tea glass holder — a metal holder with an insulating handle, into which a thin-walled tea glass is placed. This allows hot tea to be safely gripped and lifted without burning one's fingers on the glass. The Podstakannik became known from the Russian railway tradition, where it is still standard today.

What is Capercaillie Hunting?
Capercaillie hunting (Russian: "глухариная охота") is the spring mating hunt for the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), the largest grouse in Europe. It takes place in April/May during the sunrise display, when the displaying cock focuses on its song and becomes temporarily "deaf" (Russian глухой = deaf, hence глухарь). Capercaillie hunting is considered the most demanding feathered game hunt in Europe and is valued in Russia, Scandinavia, and the Alpine region.

What does the motif on the Podstakannik depict?
A plastically formed high-relief scene with capercaillies in a birch forest depiction — the classic habitat image of the capercaillie in Russia and the Scandinavian high forest. The scene runs all around, so that when the glass is turned, the composition becomes visible as a narrative.

Is it Niello?
No. The Podstakannik features plastic high relief in 925 silver — the darker areas are created by shadows in the depressions. The included teaspoon is antique patinated (superficial blackening, NOT molten niello paste). Niello is another Russian technique with black sulfur-silver paste, typical for the SevChern manufactory. In this Argenta set, it is high relief + patination — excellently crafted, but technically different.

Which tea glass fits?
The set includes a suitable tea glass (typically thin-walled, approx. 200–250 ml, classically cylindrical). If you wish to use a different glass later: any standard tea glass with an outer diameter of approx. 70 mm (which is the Russian standard size for Podstakannik tea) will fit.

How do I care for the set?
Podstakannik: wipe dry after use, no dishwasher, no abrasive sponge. Once the tea is poured out, wash the tea glass separately and return it dry. Keep the sterling silver of the holder dry on the outside with a soft cloth. Polish with a silver polishing cloth if visible tarnishing occurs.
Teaspoon: wipe dry after use. The antique patination does not disappear with everyday use — the raised areas can be carefully polished, while the capercaillie crown with its dark depressions retains its character.
Storage: in the included case, ideally with anti-tarnish strips.

How heavy is the set?
Set weight including case: 643 g. Pure silver: 241 g (Podstakannik 204 g, teaspoon 37 g) — the tea glass is not counted towards the silver weight because it is made of glass.

How is the set delivered?
In a velvet-lined premium case (132 × 132 × 165 mm), securely packaged with cushioning for shipping. Can be given directly as a gift, without additional gift wrapping. Upon request, we can include a SilberVerse card with a dedication.