Soviet USSR Vintage Glass Tea Cup Holder “Volgograd”Podstakannik 1960-70s USSR

Soviet USSR VINTAGE Glass Tea Cup Holder “Volgograd”Podstakannik 1960-70s USSR

About this piece

This is a Soviet-era podstakannik — a traditional Russian metal tea cup holder — decorated with landmarks of Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad. The brass body features a deep teal or cobalt enamel band set within geometric X-pattern metalwork, with applied brass plaques depicting iconic civic buildings. Text reads “Volgograd” in Cyrillic around the rim, honouring this major Volga River industrial city.

The holder sits on a ribbed brass base and is fitted with a single sturdy handle, designed to hold a standard tea glass (stakan). The metalwork shows honest wear and patina consistent with regular use across five or more decades, whilst the enamel remains vibrant and largely intact. Podstakanniks were essential tableware in Soviet households, protecting hands from hot glasses during tea service — a charming functional object with genuine period character and travel-souvenir appeal.