Featured Silverplate filigree Russian (?) tea glass holders

I assume these are vintage Russian (?) tea glass holders, silverplate, have a few questions.

Not sure how to interpret the writing on the base of the holder. Each is marked on the base as shown (last 2 pics). Is that "U" letter Russian?

It will not be me doing it, but can these ever be polished? No idea how you would get into that filigree section.

One glass has a chip on the rim, the other glasses have perfect rims, but a few scuffs on the outside near the base. The holders are actually in great shape other than the severe tarnish and oxidation. They certainly look nice with the glasses, but now I am in a bit of a quandary, due to the damage on the glass, should I just sell the holders separately? Would certainly make the set a lot lighter to ship.

The glasses are an exact match in size with the holders, but I'm thinking they might not be all that high end, maybe not even that old. Thoughts?

 

The writing on the base is Ц. 7.50 (price 7.50 rubles).
The glasses are typical Soviet crystal, nearly every family had those.

 

i dont think they are silver plated must be german silver
like this
or this

 

Thanks, April07.

That certainly looks like them. Where did you find those links if I can ask?

Trying to get an estimate of value, if worth listing or not. German silver isn't really silver if I'm correct.

So the price would be stamped into the base? (Just wanted to confirm. Thanks.)

Additional thoughts welcome.

 

German silver is an alloy. Also known as nickel silver.

 

In the Soviet Union the price of most of the products was stamped or printed on them (regulated economy )
German silver is not silver.
I am not sure the links will be very helpful because they are from Russia and Ukraine. Pricewise not expensive because it was a mass production
https://besplatka.ua/obyavlenie/podstakanniki-iz-sssr-melhior--130ed6
$9
http://artandbooks.ru/products/antikvariat/product-podstakannik-skan-filigran
$22 (I think that's overpriced)
https://youla.ru/moskva/dom-dacha/p...ghran-mielkhior-sssr-5ae5c3e102a55875241b7c3c
$10

 

They are melchior. Lower than nickel silver. The mix includes zinc which will never shine again.

 

I thought that it is German silver that includes copper, nickel, and zinc. Could you please specify the difference.

 

Nice tea glass holders, Lucille. I love filigree.

It can be confusing. In Europe Melchior used to be a cover all term for several base alloys which include German silver. The name was first coined in Italy, but the alloys are of French origin.
Melchior is mostly used in Russia, where it is a copper alloy with some nickel, manganese and iron.
German silver (alpaca, nickel silver) is copper, zinc and nickel. The copper percentage is not as high as in Melchior.

 

My grandparents had similar ones, but the glasses were not as fancy if I recall right. I remember them sipping hot tea with them and having a sugar cube between their teeth to melt a bit when they drank.
That doesn't help you at all, I know, but it reminded me of an old memory.

 

Thank you @April07 for posting the links.

Also appreciate the additional eyes on this. Was helpful.

Thanks.

 

I beg to differ Melchior will indeed shine up. I used bar keepers friend and a toothbrush and mine are absolutely beautiful.

 

I have 2 exactly like these. I didn't buy them with glasses. They have the M 750 marking on each. I bought them in the Soviet Union in 1971. They tarnish but clean up with silver polish. I do not know their value but am trying to find out. If anyone can give me a price at which they are valued, I'd consider selling them.

 

We do not do valuations here. Since you know what you have, you should be able to search the web and particularly sites like eBay with your details in order to find sales to use as a guide in pricing.