123 Highly important Imperial Kovsh - gift of the Empress Elisabeth Petrovna to Cossack Ataman Pjotr Stepanow.

 Highly Important Imperial Russian presentation Kovsh - gift of the Empress Elisabeth Petrovna.

 Silver, partly gilt. With master's mark "A.K.", Moscow 1742.

The ship-shaped body shows a medallion in the centre with the coat of arms of the Russian Empire in a particularly fine and sculptural design. Master's mark "A.K." on the rim, as well as assay master's mark and the city mark of Moscow with the year 1742.

The handle, which ends in a tsar's crown, shows shell motifs as well as wickerwork and foliage with hanging grapes. Reverse with old repair (soldering). The double-headed eagle on the opposite side replaced in the old days.

Old collector's inventory inscription and number engraved on the bottom. The wall with dedication engravings in old Russian in the extravagant wording typical of the time: "We, Elizabeth Petrovna the First, by the Grace of God Empress and Self - Ruler of All Russia, etc.etc.etc....have presented this Kovsh to the Commander of the Koshewoj Don Armies (Cossacks) the marching Ataman , Pyotr Stepanov, for this campaign in recognition of his loyalty and great services on the 1st day of March 1743".

Yelizaveta Petrovna Romanova (Russian Елизавета Петровна Романова, viz. Transliteration: Elizaveta Petrovna Romanova; * 18 December jul. / 29 December 1709 greg. in Kolomenskoye near Moscow; † 25 December 1761 jul. / 5 January 1762 greg. in Saint Petersburg) was Empress of Russia from 1741 to 1762.

Elizabeth was born in Kolomenskoye in 1709, the illegitimate child of Peter the Great and Martha Skrawronska, who later became Catherine I. It was not until two years later, in 1711, that she was legitimised by her parents' marriage and elevated to Grand Duchess.

Under Elizabeth's reign, the death penalty was effectively suspended. She promoted Baroque arts and science, but also practised favouritism. During her reign, Russia fought successfully against Prussia in the Seven Years' War. Her unexpected death and the turnaround in foreign policy by her successor Peter III were major factors in saving Prussia from defeat in that war.

With Elizabeth, the original Romanov dynasty died out.

Magnificent Imperial gift - Kovsh of Peter the Great's daughter, Empress Elizabeth Petrovna and as a gift to a Cossack - leader of special historical interest.

Object of exceptionally great rarity.

130 x 295 x 150 mm.

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