Teaglass Holder Set Troika 925 Silver in Case — 3-piece with Three-Horse Motif

Three horses at a full gallop through the snow, a sleigh with passengers, fir trees, and a church tower on the horizon: The "Troika" tea glass holder set features one of the most famous Russian motifs as a sculptural high relief on a 925 sterling silver podstakannik. It comes with a cut-diamond crystal glass and a classic "Prestige" teaspoon with an initial field for engraving, all united in a velvet-lined premium case.

At a glance

• Set contents: Podstakannik + diamond-cut crystal glass + "Prestige" teaspoon – 3 pieces
• Material of holder and spoon: 925 sterling silver
• Total silver weight: approx. 277 g (holder approx. 237 g, spoon approx. 40 g)
• Dimensions of holder: height approx. 95 mm
• Dimensions of spoon: approx. 148 mm
• "Chayny" crystal glass: approx. 250 ml, approx. 65 × 110 mm, diamond cut
• Dimensions of case: approx. 132 × 132 × 165 mm, velvet-lined, navy blue
• Workmanship: sculptural high relief, antique patina (surface blackening, not niello)

Material and craftsmanship

The podstakannik is crafted from 925 sterling silver. The Troika scene runs as a sculptural high relief around the holder: the middle horse in a high trot under the shaft bow, the two outer horses at a gallop, accompanied by a sleigh cabin with passengers, a pine forest, and a church tower silhouette. The base is domed and polished to a high shine, while the classic loop handle features a beaded edge and acanthus volutes. The recesses of the relief are antiqued with a patina – a surface layer of silver sulfide that emphasizes the depressions and three-dimensional structures, while the raised areas remain polished bright. This blackening should not be confused with niello: niello is an inlay technique where a molten sulfur-silver alloy is filled into engraved silver and filed flush, typical of the SevChern manufactory in Veliky Ustyug. The patination used here is a controlled protective and accentuating layer. The included "Prestige" teaspoon is designed in the classic silverware style: an oval initial cartouche in a rocaille frame at the end of the handle, acanthus ornamentation on the neck, and a high-gloss polished bowl. The "Chayny" diamond-cut crystal glass bears a geometric pattern that makes the tea sparkle with a warm, amber glow. As a replaceable consumable, it can be purchased separately if needed.

Usage and occasions

Since the 18th century, the troika has been the Russian stagecoach team and was traditionally used as a wedding carriage – a symbol for the shared journey of life. Nikolai Gogol described it at the end of his "Dead Souls" as a "bird-troika," and Tchaikovsky dedicated his piano piece "November – In the Troika" to it. The set is particularly suitable as a wedding gift with this symbolic meaning, as a gift for those with an affinity for Russia, Slavists, and literature enthusiasts, for horse lovers and those interested in breeding or trotting races, as well as a winter gift for Christmas or New Year's Eve. The Troika also makes a fitting anniversary or diplomatic gift due to its iconic motif, and serves as an excellent addition to a podstakannik collection. Perfect for strong black tea as a concentrate, poured into the diamond glass and topped up with hot water – a ritual that has remained unchanged since the Tsarist era. Further pieces can be found in our 925 sterling silver tableware collection.

Engraving and SilberVerse card

The oval initial cartouche at the end of the spoon handle is intentionally kept blank and is suitable for one to three initials or a family crest. We recommend hand-engraving by a silversmith so that the lines blend harmoniously with the existing ornaments. Upon request with your order, we will include a 15 × 10 cm SilberVerse card – digitally designed with a personal dedication, free of charge.

Care

The blackening in the recesses is intentional and adds value – it is part of the three-dimensional design and should be treated accordingly. Clean the holder and spoon only by hand with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth – never in the dishwasher, and never rub silver polish over the blackened grooves. Wipe dry after use and store in the case, which protects against air contact and delays natural tarnishing. If the polished surfaces tarnish significantly, a soft silver polishing cloth without abrasive grains helps – use it exclusively on the raised areas, never in the blackened recesses. The diamond glass is dishwasher-safe on a short, gentle cycle, though washing by hand remains gentler and keeps it crystal clear.

Frequently asked questions

Is the blackening the same as niello?
No. Niello is a sulfur-silver inlay technique, such as that used by SevChern from Veliky Ustyug, where a black mass is melted into engravings. The blackening used here is a surface patination in the recesses that enhances the three-dimensional effect of the high relief.

What does the Troika symbolize?
Since the 18th century, the troika has been the Russian stagecoach team: three horses side by side in front of a sleigh. It became a symbol of Russia, partly through Gogol's "bird-troika" and Tchaikovsky's "November – In the Troika," and was also traditionally regarded as a wedding carriage.

Is the set dishwasher-safe?
The silver part is not – please clean the holder and spoon exclusively by hand. The diamond crystal glass is dishwasher-safe on a short, gentle cycle, though hand washing is gentler.

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Discover further pieces from our 925 sterling silver tableware collection or find inspiration for a suitable occasion in our 925 silver gift ideas.