Introducing a charming antique silver dog, identified as an English Cocker Spaniel, the same breed as Joy, the beloved companion of Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, son of Emperor Nicholas II. Featuring two tiny natural faceted ruby eyes, this exquisite figurine was crafted for the Russian Imperial court by the distinguished silversmith Konstantin Illarionovich Skvortsov.
Konstantin Illarionovich Skvortsov was a distinguished Russian silversmith and jeweler whose active work in Moscow is documented from approximately 1887 to 1917. He specialized in exquisite silver animal figurines and silverware decorated with intricate enamel-over-filigree designs. His finely crafted works are valued by collectors of Russian Imperial silver and decorative arts.
This delightful figurine brings to mind Joy, the cherished English Cocker Spaniel of Tsarevich Alexei Nikolaevich, the son of Emperor Nicholas II. Born around 1913–1914, Joy was given to Alexei by his elder sister, Grand Duchess Olga Nikolaevna, and became the young heir's devoted companion.
Joy remained faithfully by Alexei's side, including during the family's exile. On the night of July 17, 1918, when the Imperial family was murdered at the Ipatiev House in Ekaterinburg, Joy survived. According to historical accounts, the dog was found and taken in by one of the guards, Mikhail Letemin, who reportedly took pity on him.
Joy's remarkable story continued after the fall of the Russian Empire. He was later discovered by White Russian forces and came under the care of people associated with the émigré community, including Colonel Pavel Rodzianko and Baroness Sophie Buxhoeveden. In 1920, Colonel Rodzianko brought Joy to England, where the dog spent his remaining years at King George V's royal kennels in Windsor. Joy died in the early 1920s and was buried in the garden beneath a memorial bearing the simple inscription, “Here lies Joy.”
The resemblance in breed makes this charming silver spaniel a particularly evocative tribute to Alexei's beloved companion, Joy—a small but poignant reminder of the personal lives and affections of the Russian Imperial family.
Figurine Details:
Dimensions: 42 mm wide × 57 mm high
Weight: 67.6 grams
Eyes: Two tiny natural faceted rubies
Hallmarks:
84: Russian Imperial silver standard
Cyrillic “КС” (KS) in a rectangular cartouche: Workmaster Konstantin Illarionovich Skvortsov
Double-headed eagle: The coat of arms of Imperial Russia
An exquisite example of Russian Imperial silver craftsmanship, this charming English Cocker Spaniel combines fine workmanship, precious materials, and a captivating historical association. It would make a wonderful addition to a collection of antique Russian silver, Imperial animal miniatures, or historically significant objects connected with the Romanov dynasty.
Please note: Authentic Fabergé objects from the late 19th and early 20th centuries were not issued with certificates of authenticity.
Authenticity is determined through examination of original maker’s marks and assay marks, materials, craftsmanship, construction techniques, and comparison with published reference examples.