Silver Cutlery “The Priest and Balda” – Pushkin Series, 4-Piece, 925 Silver Gold-Plated with Niello

A priest who likes to employ workmen for nothing, and a Balda who serves him the bill with cunning: this cutlery set for one person tells Pushkin’s satire on greed with humour. Silver 925, gold-plated, with scenes on the back and a wooden box for the entrance. Hosts who appreciate punchlines will find their place setting here.

Balda, little devils and a devil’s grimace

On the tablespoon Balda sits at the sea. The handles are reserved for little devils with horns, and the teaspoon ends with a devil’s grimace that looks more comical than threatening. Anyone who turns it in the light sees how precisely the lines are drawn. At the front of each handle lies the cartouche with the lyre and Pushkin’s name together with the tale’s title, written in Cyrillic script.

A satire with workman and goblin

The miserly priest looks for a cheap workman. Balda asks only for three flicks on the forehead as wages, but works for seven. When the priest wants to get rid of him, he sends him to the devils to collect interest from the sea. Balda fools the devils with a rope and cunning, and in the end the priest pays his bill in the agreed currency. Like Till Eulenspiegel in German jest tales, the clever one here shows up the powerful.

Niello and the right polish

On the silver stand dark lines that were fired into the engraving. After firing, it is polished, with measure, because the polish decides the contrast, as our article on the finish shows. In Veliky Ustyug the niello tradition has been documented since 1683. Paris World’s Fair 1937: gold medal for tableware of the Artel Severnaya Chern, whose motifs came from Pushkin’s tales.

Occasions with a wink

For the milestone birthday of a man with humour, as an anniversary piece or as a gift for a silver wedding anniversary, when the couple likes to laugh together. Under the Christmas tree and for a wedding it surprises just as well, and as a business gift it shows self-irony. For collectors the satire is a deliberate contrast to the rest of the series.

Questions about the Priest and Balda cutlery

Which is a well-known Russian tale?
The tale of the priest and his workman Balda is one of them, even if it is more satire than magic. Anyone who likes humour will love it.

Is the knife blade made of silver?
No, the blade is made of stainless steel and the handle of 925 silver. This way the knife keeps its edge for a long time.

Are there matching cups?
Yes, the pair of cups The Priest and Balda shows Balda before the priest and at the sea. For the table, the six place settings from the cutlery case belong with it.

How do I clean the niello cutlery?
Rinse with warm water and dry, nothing more. Dishwasher, silver dips, aluminium foil and baking soda attack niello, see the niello guide.

Is every place setting exactly the same?
The motifs, yes, but lines and contrast turn out a little differently from piece to piece, because every master guides the graver differently.

Can the cutlery be given a dedication?
Yes, via the engraving service. It is ordered along with it; the wording of your dedication goes in the “order note at checkout”. Afterwards we clarify room and execution with SevChern; if the engraving is not possible, the flat fee goes back to you. Anyone who prefers to give words without engraving receives a SilberVerse, created for the occasion and names and free on request.