Antique Russian Brass Samovar with Tray (Formerly Electric)

This large samovar features an unidentified Russian language brand mark, decorative wood knobs, wooden handles, minor decorative work on the rim, a beautiful removable key on the tap, and interesting cut patterns near the base, and comes with a tray, all as shown in photos. It does not come with cups, or a teapot which might have been placed atop the contraption.
 
We believe it was made in the late 1800s and modified by our grandparents who packed an electric compartment in the base stamped ‘Electric MFC Co SF NY’. It would need rewiring to be operable again. Also, we have not tested it to see if it holds water and if the key tap still works as designed.
 
There are several signs of age and wear on this samovar, including the need for good polishing as evident in photos.  The tray has bright rust colored spots and cup marks. The knobs appear to be cracked but it could just be the seams of the knobs. The decorative band at the foot of the samovar needs careful cleaning.
 
The word samovar translates as ‘self-boiler’. Samovars were essentially kettles that maintained the right temperature for boiled water used to make tea. They could also be used to brew coffee with additional attachments. Samovars are still often set in communal areas for sharing. Original ones were heated by charcoal in tubes up the center, then metal boxes for charcoal or kerosene in the base, with electric heaters added later. Trays were introduced in the mid-1800s to protect tables.
 
Samovar H 18” x L 11 ½” x W 10”
Tray H ¾” x L 8 7/8” x W 16”
9.2 lb

Disclaimer: We have tried to make sure colors shown in photos are representative of the real colors of each item. We have tried to identify all imperfections in descriptions, but we may have missed some. If you are unhappy with your purchase, let us know.