Help pricing an item it has a knick

[kaba-66781]

[kathiec]

It's not really the 'knick' that's going to have the biggest effect on value. The lacquer is severely crazed, both inside and out. What you call a knick is a piece of that crazed lacquer chipping off. When lacquer is crazed to the point it starts breaking off, it's going to severely reduce the value. It's too bad, because it once was a beautiful piece.

[fidbald]

JMHO.

1. where did you get it ?

2. a clear pic of the signature would help; there are Russian-speakers around that may help.

3. the easiest would be if you had a Russian gift-shop around, because those boxes with the typical Troika on them are also sold to tourists in Russia.

4. the bad state of the surface might eventually hint towards a newer production with cheap adhesive "stickers" instead of handpainting.