Russian silver-gilt and engraved tankard

Description

84 Zolodnik, St. Petersburg 1847, maker И·Б or И·В

10.8cm high, 196gr.

Of baluster shape, engraved with the view of a grand country house at the end of a drive, amongst trees and gardens, the view flanked by ornaments of scrolling foliage, and an engraved Russian inscription above

To I.P. Yepanchin
27 December 1855
from brother Nikolai

Either side of the handle further engraved views of the idyllic park with a sculpture before a backdrop of trees, a building with a greenhouse attached, a lady in long robes on the steps.

Ivan Petrovich Yepanchin (1788-1875, Иван Петрович Епанчин) was a Russian naval officer, who had an exceptionally illustrious career and was highly decorated. He commanded fleets in the Baltic Sea and during the Crimean War. An admiral, he was awarded amongst others the Orders of St. Anne First Class, of the White Eagle, of St. Alexander Nevsky, later with diamonds, and the Order of St. Vladimir First Class.

His brother Nikolay Petrovich Yepanchin (1787-1872) was also a naval officer. He also rose to the rank of Admiral, was appointed a member of the Admiralty Council, and had the Orders of St. Anne First Class with Crown, St. Vladimir Second Class, the White Eagle and St. Alexander Nevsky.