Russian Imperial Silver Punch Set From Czar Alexander III

The punch set, a standalone treasure in its own right, was gifted by Czar Alexander III to Captain Wiggins in recognition of his pioneering expedition along the Enisei River. Driven by a desire to establish a sea route with Siberia, Captain Wiggins’ journey is notable for being the first successful endeavor by a British seaman in 300 years to extend commercial interests with the northern coasts of Russia. Even more notable is the presentation of this elaborate gift by the Russian government to a foreign national, particularly when the British government all but ignored Wiggins’ efforts. In fact, the British government refused his modest request for surveying and observational instruments. Even so, the Czar was impressed, and chose to honor Wiggins with this exceptional punch service — as pictured and discussed in Henry Johnson’s book Captain Joseph Wiggins, written in 1907.

The service was commissioned by the Czar from the House of Sazikov, the oldest silversmith and jewelry firm in Russia. Sazikov was established in 1793 by the merchant Pavel Sazikov, and became supplier to the Imperial Court in 1837. The firm, which maintained factories in Moscow and St. Petersburg, became renowned for its high quality silverware, silver sculptures, cloisonné enamels and statuettes with national motifs. The firm exhibited several cups and centerpieces at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London, and from 1846, held the Imperial Warrant.

The unique charm of this punch service lies not only in its craftsmanship and historical relevance, but also in the inclusion of old drinking proverbs in Slavic. From “The heart burns at the thought of wine” to “Good fellowship is better than wealth,” these sayings — inscribed on the cups and ladles of the set — add a touch of cultural richness and reflect the convivial spirit of the meeting. Further inscriptions offer credit to Wiggins for his endeavors. The edge of the tray is inscribed by the Russian Naval Ministry and reads: “To Captain Wiggins from the Imperial Russian Naval Ministry. In memory of the voyage in 1893 to the mouth of the river Enisei, jointly with the ships of the Imperial fleet, Lieutenants Ovtsyn, Malygin and Skuratov.” The center of the tray features another laudatory inscription from the Royal Geographic Society: “This salver was presented to Captain Joseph Wiggins, F.R.G.S., Siberian explorer, by the Czar of Russia, 1894, and left by Captain Wiggins to the Royal Geographical Society, England, Sept. 1905.”

Hallmarked 1874-75

9″ high x 19 7/8″ diameter on tray

Provenance:
Czar Alexander III
Private collection of Captain Wiggins
Royal Geographical Society, England
Private collection of Victor Niederhoffer
M.S. Rau, New Orleans
Private collection, Connecticut
M.S. Rau, New Orleans