Expert: Oleg Khokhlov - 2/11/2004

Question
Hello Oleg,

I saw a gentleman asking you a question regarding bringing bayan from Russia and decided to ask you a "samovar" question.

My mother bought me a real Russian samovar at a flee market.  It is an old Tula-made piece.  Now I do not know how to get it.  Can it be mailed or can I just bring it over the next time I visit Russia?  In each case, what documents would be required.  (The reason I am concerned about it, because I am not sure whether the samovar would be considered to be an antique.  It is hard for us to judge its age.)

Thank you very much in advance for your answer.

Sincerely,

Lucy S.

Answer
Dear Lucy, it is very hard to judge any cultural objects, other than modern souvenirs that are expressely permitted for taking out of Russia without any permission.

Old hand-made Tula Samovar may be qualified as an antique, though this is subject to special expertise that is held
by special Department of Ministry of culture - Federal service for protection of cultural values.

I believe that there is a risk of breach of Russian legislation in case of taking out referred above object without expertise and permission of this Service. I don't know the real situation with this procedure - it's cost, timing etc, but I would advise to find out these issues, the telephone in Moscow is 924-1786. Somebody who speaks Russian and knows the details can call and ask about practical questions of such expertise, perhaps it is not that painful, besides it is exciting "Russian" experience.

Kind regards,
Oleg.