Tea glass holder “Bronze Rider” made of 925 silver with tea glass

This tea glass holder features a relief of a rider on its outer wall: a horse and rider figure, crafted in solid 925 sterling silver, sits within an oval medallion framed by a laurel wreath. The holder from the house of ArgentA bears the name "Bronze Horseman" and is part of a series that translates Russian symbolism into silver and niello work.

At a glance

• Material: 925 sterling silver, solid, with niello finish
• Holder: H 95 x Ø 72 mm, approx. 129 g silver, rider relief in medallion, handle
• Tea glass: H 100 x Ø 65 mm, 200 ml capacity, diamond cut
• Manufacturer: ArgentA, Russia
• Hallmark: yes
• Engraving: not possible, the medallion relief is the statement
• Delivery: includes gift box with velvet lining

Material and workmanship

The holder is made of solid 925 sterling silver, with no coating, no silver-plating, and no filler material. Approx. 129 g of silver gives the piece a weight you feel the moment you pick it up, significantly more than a thin sheet-metal holder. In the center of the outer wall sits an oval medallion framed by a laurel wreath, containing the rider figure in relief. The niello—a dark surface treatment applied specifically into the recesses of the relief—makes the figure appear three-dimensional and lets the bright, raised areas stand out sharply. It is not painted or lacquered, but is part of the surface itself, which means it will not rub off during normal use and the contrast actually tends to increase with proper care. The included tea glass with diamond cut, H 100 x Ø 65 mm, 200 ml, is tailored to the holder. ArgentA is a Russian manufacturer with many years of experience in silverware production; the holders are hallmarked.

Usage and occasions

A podstakannik, literally "that which stands under the glass," is a metal holder traditionally used in Russia to hold a tea glass while drinking. The origin of this tradition lies, among other things, in the 19th-century Russian railways, where tea in a glass was more practical than a cup that could tip over on the table. As a gift, this holder is suitable for Mother's Day or Father's Day for people who appreciate history, symbolism, and Russian silver art. As a business gift, a silver object with a figurative relief on a desk is a conversation piece that goes beyond an ordinary present. This holder is also a fitting piece for collectors of Russian silverware, both in terms of theme and quality.

Care

The tea glass holder should be cleaned by hand with warm water and mild detergent; it is not dishwasher safe. A soft silver polishing cloth is suitable for polishing. The niello sits in the recesses of the relief and is sensitive to hard cloths or abrasive cleaners; you should avoid these, as they could damage the polished parts of the motif. Wash the tea glass separately by hand.

Frequently asked questions

Is the holder made of real silver or is it silver-plated?
The holder is made of solid 925 sterling silver, with no plating or silver-coating.

What is the niello finish; can it come off?
The niello finish is a dark surface treatment applied to the recesses of the relief. It is neither lacquer nor paint, but part of the surface itself, and it does not peel off with normal use and proper care.

Is an engraving possible?
Engraving is not possible for this model; the rider relief occupies the central area of the outer wall and serves as the statement motif of this piece. As a personal alternative, we offer a complimentary, custom-designed SilberVerse card in 15 x 10 cm landscape format.

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Further podstakanniki with figurative reliefs can be found in our selection of tableware and silverware made of 925 silver. For more occasion ideas, browse our gift ideas in 925 silver.