Measures 27" long, 1 3/4" wide; weighs 120.4 g (3.87 Troy Ounces). This delightful example of pre-Revolutionary craftsmanship is intricately designed and wonderfully executed in the ever-popular Caucasian national style by a silversmith in the capital of the Russian Empire. All of its larger elements are covered with niello artwork in the traditional Kubachi style. The buckle includes a small clasp in the shape of a Caucasian dagger designed to hold the halves together and attached by a chain to one of its halves. Both halves of the buckle show a Kokoshnik 84 silver hallmark with the Greek character "Alpha", the official designation of the St. Petersburg assay inspection.

The reverse of each of the 26 larger links is comprised of three semi-spherical elements and bears the maker mark ГП ("GP") of silversmith Grigoriy Pankratyev. (Pankratyev's workshop operated in St. Petersburg starting from 1874. He is known to have produced high-profile silver articles for some of St. Petersburg churches. A silver cigarette case by this master is currently in the permanent collection of Moscow's GIM National History Museum /Russian Gold and Silverwork from the 15th to 20th Century , Postnikova-Loseva et al, C. 1995, Page 181, Fig. 1261/)

In excellent condition, free of damage or significant wear of any kind. The backside of the buckle has some lightly inscribed letters and numbers left by a previous owner or possibly a pawn shop. This is not detracting and of course, completely unnoticeable from the front when the belt is worn or displayed.

Please note: the penny, tea cup, and podstakannik holder appear in our photos only to give you an idea of the size of the belt, and are not included with the purchase of the belt.