Hallmark of the Afanasy and Stepan Popov Brothers Factory

Hallmarks

Letter: UVF ASP
Year: 1761
Products: boxes, snuffboxes, perfume bottles, gospel covers, church vessels and other items, GIM, GOP, ERO, MVU.
Description: Factory of the brothers Afanasy and Stepan Popov. The upper part of the hallmark bears the three letters 'UVF', and the lower part similarly bears the three letters 'ASP'. The first factory producing niello and enamel items in Veliky Ustyug, founded in 1761, burned down in 1776; it did not have its own hallmark. Sometimes a carved mark was used, and sometimes niello inscriptions of six letters were incorporated into the ornament, signifying: 'Ustyug Veliky. Factory of Afanasy and Stepan Popov'; hallmarks of Veliky Ustyug and the assayer master are very rarely encountered. Items: boxes, snuffboxes, perfume bottles, gospel covers, church vessels and other items, GIM, GOP, ERO, MVU.