Tibetan Antique Brass Tea Samovar, C. 1920

This Hand Hammered/Chased Antique Brass Tea Samovar, we do believe to be Tibetan origin with an Oriental influence in its floral design. The samovar dates approximately 1920. It is executed on a solid brass base metal that is assembled in four sections. The inside contains a cylinder for hot coals to keep the tea warm.

COMMENT: This Handsome Collector’s Piece Is Deserving And Worthy Of An Antique Collection Of Unusual Brass Items.

Little samovars of this vintage are seldom found intact. The samovar contains all of its parts, including all the wooden finials. It is totally functional if one so desires to use it for its original purpose.

CONDITION: It is in fine condition except for some minor denting on the main pot, but is not serious.  It has some minor oxidization to high points of relief work This authenticates antiquity of the piece and the fact that it has been used for its intended purposes over the years. It is normal to see a few minor dents in antique metals. 

GENERAL CONDITION OF ANTIQUE METALS:

Some denting of antique metals generally attest to the authenticity of the antiquity of metals and is considered acceptable by collector and dealer standards. This is not to say that all metals that have dents are antique. Other than denting, there are other things to look for such as how it is assembled or joined or welded. Look for quality impressed maker's marks or other factory marks such as year dates and numbers which accompany some antique metals. Most antique hollow-ware metal pieces, such as jardinieres or planters, large bowls, tea kettles, etc will almost always have bottom interior oxidation. Oxidization both on the interior and exterior of a piece is also acceptable and is considered as "patina" by purists.