2008 April The James C. Russo Collection of Royal Artifacts Signature Auction

Repoussé Silver-Plated Copper Portrait of Catherine the Great
Circa 1770, signed JB Nini F after an original terracotta by Jean Baptiste Nini (1717-86)

Circular in the form of a portrait medallion, depicting the bust of Catherine the Great, facing right, the silver insignia E II (Ekaterina II) in Russian for Empress Catherine II (r. 1762-1796), below Romanov crown mounted separately above, both mounted on a rectangular red velvet frame within silvered outer border-the central portrait-6 1/2 in. diam.; the frame-11 x 9 3/8 in.

Catherine II "the Great" (1729-1796)

Fully deserving the epithet "Great", the former Princess Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst remains one of the most remarkable figures in Russia's colorful past. The correspondent of some of the Age of Reason's brightest minds, conqueror of vast new lands, and coquette of gallant guardsmen, Empress Catherine II was the archetypal enlightened despot. The three decades of her rule at the eighteenth century's close completed the westward journey on which Peter the Great had set Russia in its opening years.

Literature:
For an original medallion of Catherine the Great by Nini, see, lot 214, Catalogue des Tableaux, Dessins, Aquarelles, Gouaches, Objects d'Art et d'ameublement du XVIIème Siècle composant La collection de Mr. Gustave Mühlbacher (Paris, 1907), Galerie George Petit, 8 Rue de Sèze, Paris.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Gold and Enamel Egg Pendant
20th century

Of polished gold, decorated with enameled black and white enameled initial N below a red enameled crown, the opening on the top unscrews, with vacant interior, stamped on suspension ring-1 3/4 in.

Provenance:
Purchased Sheldon Shapiro, London

Gold and Gem-Set Egg Pendant
20th century, stamped with spurious Fabergé marks

Of polished gold, decorated with rose-cut diamonds, sapphires, rubies, set within stars, a fly and a fleur-de-lis, top opens (unscrews) to reveal vacant compartment set with images of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra-1 3/4 in.


Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

Russian Brass Imperial Presentation Easter Egg
Late 19th century

A watchcase designed as a brass egg divided vertically into two halves, opening from the top with a pushpiece and suspension ring, revealing vacant interiors, the exterior of one side applied with a Russian Imperial double-headed eagle, the reverse with a red and white enamel XB, the Cyrillic initials for the Russian Easter Proclamation Khristos Voskrese (Christ is Risen), attached to a large oval link brass chain-the egg-3 1/2 in. long


Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Rare Russian Empress Alexandra Imperial Porcelain Easter Egg
By the Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, circa 1910

Decorated with the interlaced Cyrillic monogram A F in two-toned gold for Empress Alexandra Fedorovna (1872-1918), wife of Tsar Nicholas II, on cobalt blue ground with gilded openings, fitted with original silk ribbon-3 1/2 in high, in red leather presentation box. Together with card inscribed Prince Vladimir Galitzine, Objets d'Art 202 Berkeley St, Picadilly W 1

Alexandra Fedorovna (1872-1918)

The consort of Russia's last Tsar, Alexandra entered the world as a princess in the small German principality of Hesse-Darmstadt. Her marriage to Nicholas II in 1894 proved to be a successful match, but domestic bliss was severely tested by the hemophilia of her son, the Tsarevich Alexis. Acting under orders from their leader, Vladimir Lenin, the Bolsheviks shot Alexandra along with her family in 1918.

For a similar egg in red see Tamara Kudriavtseva and Harold A. Whitbeck, Russian Imperial Porcelain Easter Eggs (London, 2001), p. 51.

Provenance:
Christie's, New York

Imperial Russian Gilt Metal Easter Egg
Third quarter of the 19th century

Of typical form, hinged and fitted with pushpiece within suspension ring, the exterior of one half applied with Khristos in Cyrillic, the other half with Voskrese, for the Russian Orthodox Easter greeting, Christ is Risen, opening to reveal an oval portrait of a lady facing left said to be that of Russian Empress Maria Fedorovna (1847-1928), wife of Tsar Alexander III, wearing somber clothes, the frame lifts on a hinge to reveal vacant compartment, with another vacant compartment opposite, lined in moiré silk-length of egg-4 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from St. Petersburg Shop, Paris

Russian Empress Alexandra Fedorovna Imperial Porcelain Easter Egg
By the Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, 1914-1917

Decorated with the entwined openwork Cyrillic initials A F for Russian Empress Alexandra Fedorovna (1872-1918), wife of Tsar Nicholas II, in a Slavic interlaced style, the cipher in gold and gray below a toned gold Romanov crown on white ground, with an opening on each end to accommodate a ribbon or cord (now missing)-2 3/4 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from 25th Street Antique Center, New York

Rare Russian Empress Maria Fedorovna Imperial Porcelain Easter Egg
By the Imperial Porcelain Factory, St. Petersburg, late 19th century

Decorated with the interlaced Cyrillic monogram M F in two-toned gold for Empress Maria Fedorovna, wife of Tsar Alexander III, on painted ox-blood glazed ground intentionally fading to faint light blue on the ends-4 in. long, with later silk ribbon

For centuries in Russia, Easter eggs of all sizes and materials were exchanged on Orthodox Easter as symbols of the Resurrection of Christ. Across the empire, eggs decorated homes, churches, and palaces, usually suspended from a ribbon or braided cord around religious icons.

The rarest and most valuable porcelain eggs are those with the Imperial ciphers. These were made in St. Petersburg's Imperial Porcelain Factory, which was founded by Empress Elizabeth in 1741. Red was the preferred traditional Easter color. While red glazes first appeared in French and Viennese porcelain factories, only the Russian Imperial Porcelain Factory used the glaze to decorate eggs. Experiments were carried out by K. F. Klever (1854-after 1910) who achieved the sang de boeuf tone with the aid of copper compounds, after well-known Chinese glazes. For another example in the Hermitage Museum see Imperial Easter Eggs (Copenhagen, 1994), fig 89.

Maria Fedorovna (1847-1928)

Born Princess Dagmar of Denmark, and the younger sister of Edward VII's consort, Maria Fedorovna had initially been betrothed to Tsar Alexander II's eldest son, Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich. When he grew mortally ill, Nicholas commanded his younger brother Alexander to marry her. An outgoing woman of great charm, Empress Maria proved an ideal match for her forbidding mate, Tsar Alexander III. She survived both her husband's death and the Revolution of 1917, and ended her days in her native Denmark.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Russian Nephrite Gem-Set Charka with Romanov Crown Handle

In the style of ancient Muscovy, the small hardstone cup on a gilt metal spreading base decorated with a border of laurel leaves, enclosed by bands set with alternating cabochon rubies and sapphires, the flat shaped handle in the form of the Romanov crown set with two cabochon garnets centering a sapphire-1 ¾ in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from St. Petersburg Shop, Paris

Imperial Russian Silver Toilet Box from the Wedding Service of Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna and Maximilian, Duke of Leuchtenberg
Marked Nicholls & Plincke, St. Petersburg, 1839, by Carl Johan Tegelsten, assaymaster Dmitri Tverskoy. stamped on base and cover

Oval with gilt interior, the shaped hinged cover with ovolo-bracket border, resting on double lion-paw feet, the front with crowned initials of the Grand Duchess within a cartouche, the back with Romanov Imperial double-headed eagle below crown-10 1/8 x 4 3/4 in.

Nicholas I's eldest daughter, Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna (1819-1876), married Maximilian de Beauharnais, Duke of Leuchtenberg (1817-1852) in 1839. Her union with the grandson of Napoleon's wife, Josephine, was severely criticized by many Russians, who had memories of the Corsican upstart's invasion 27 years earlier in 1812. Nevertheless, the couple made their home in Russia, and Nicholas I granted Maximilian the title of Imperial Highness.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Large Russian-Style Silvered and Enameled Ormolu Paperknife
20th century

The handle decorated with pearl-set cipher of Tsar Nicholas II on blue guilloché ground set with two small diamonds on either side, surmounted by a Romanov crown, the blade engraved POMNI in Russian-15 in. long, in fitted leather silk-lined box

Provenance:
St. Petersburg Shop, Paris

Imperial Russian Silver Souvenir Cigarette Case
Marked Moscow, 1899-1908

The case overall decorated with pebbled pattern with rounded corners, the cover applied with three clusters of gold initials the central one larger and below a gold coronet, the interior with dedication inscription in Russian and dated 1901-4 1/4 x 3 in.

Imperial Russian Silver and Enameled Souvenir Cigarette Case
Marked Moscow, 1880

Profusely decorated with gold ciphers, a crown, signatures, and ace of spades in white enamel, the reverse applied with a white enamel pallet and silver brush, an inscription in Russian and applied with the name Ella in gold-4 x 2 3/4 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Manhattan Art & Antiques Center, New York

Russian Karelian Birchwood Imperial Presentation Cigarette Case
Circa 1890

The cover applied with the conjoined Cyrillic initials of Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich (grandson of Emperor Nicholas I), below a Romanov crown in silver, with spine to accommodate a tinder cord (missing), the top with hinged match compartment and exterior match strike-
3 3/4 x 2 5/8 in.

He was the most admired man in the army, not only an old fashioned soldier, but deeply Slav. His whole being exuded a fierce energy. His incisive measured speed, flashing eyes and quick, nervous movements, hard, steel-trap mouth and gigantic stature personify imperious and impetuous audacity. - Maurice Paléologue.

Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich (1856-1929) was the uncle of Tsar Nicholas II and Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army at the outbreak of World War I. He began his career as young officer during the Turkish War (1877-78), where he was awarded a Saint George's Cross. He went on to command a Guards Hussar Regiment and eventually the entire Imperial Guard. After the Revolution, the Grand Duke went on to the Crimea, although he was not involved in the Civil War. In 1919 the British Navy evacuated him on the H.M.S. Nelson along with the Dowager Empress, Maria Fedorovna.

Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

Imperial Russian Silver Souvenir Cigarette Case
Marked Ivan Saltykov, Moscow, 1885, assaymaster Victor Savinkov, 84

Rectangular, of reeded design, the hinged cover applied with a Russian gold double-headed eagle in the center and the crowned ciphers of Tsars Alexander I (r. 1801-1825) and Nicholas II (r. 1896-1917) with additional ribbon-tied red stone motif, with hidden match and tinder cord compartment- 4 1/8 x 2 1/2 x 3/4 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Marie E. Betteley, New York

Fabergé Imperial Presentation Silver Cigarette Case
Workmaster August Hollming, St. Petersburg, 1899-1908

The silver case set with a gold Romanov crown above the cipher of Grand Duchess Alexandra Iosifovna (1830-1911), daughter of Joseph, Duke of Saxe-Altenburg, wife of Constantine Nikolaevich, second son of Tsar Nicholas I and Alexandra Fedorovna, with a cabochon moonstone thumbpiece-2 ¼ x 3 ½ in.

Fabergé workmaster, August Hollming (1854-1913)

Born in Loppi, Finland, August Fredrik Hollming became a registered goldsmith in St. Petersburg in 1876. He first opened a workshop at 35 Kazanskaya Street and in 1900, moved into the Fabergé shop at 24 Bolshaya Morskaya Street. There, as workmaster, he specialized in gold and enameled jewelry, miniature egg pendants, and boxes. Fabergé cigarette cases were usually entrusted to either headworkmaster Henrik Wigström or August Hollming. One of the finest examples of Hollming's oeuvre is an imperial presentation box in diamonds and yellow guilloché enamel in the Collection of H.M. the Queen Mother.

Provenance:
Purchased from Marie E. Betteley, New York

Russian Gold and Diamond Imperial Presentation Cigarette Case
Marked Carl Blank, St. Petersburg, 1908-17

Overall decorated with a tapering reeded pattern, the hinged cover applied in the center with a Russian double-headed eagle set with rose and antique-cut diamonds, with cabochon sapphire pushpiece-3 5/8 x 2 3/8 in.
In original red velvet fitted case stamped with a gold Imperial Russian double-headed eagle

Like many of Russia's finest jewelers, Carl Carlovich Blank was born in Finland and moved to St. Petersburg to learn his trade. He registered in the capital as a gold and silversmith and joined the renowned firm of Karl Hahn at 26 Nevskii Prospect, being made partner in 1911. Awarded the Imperial warrant at the end of the 19th century, the firm competed with Fabergé for Imperial commissions. Carl Blank won prizes for excellence at an exhibition in 1896 and won favor with the Imperial family by specializing in the diamond presentation gifts for the Russian Court.

Provenance:
Christie's, New York

Brown Agate Cigarette Case with Diamond Double-Headed Eagle
20th century, unmarked

With rounded corners, the case of translucent, lightly banded agate applied with a Russian-style Imperial eagle set with single-cut diamonds and a tear-drop shaped cabochon ruby, mounted in silver (one diamond missing), its claws clutching a gold orb and scepter, fitted with a cabochon sapphire thumbpiece-3 1/2 in. long

For a cigarette case of similar inspiration formerly in the Frank Sinatra Collection, see Christies, New York, December 1, 1995, lot 54.

Provenance:
St. Petersburg Shop, Paris

Imperial Russian Enameled Silver-Gilt Romanov Tercentenary Cross of 1913
Stamped Moscow, 1908-17, maker's mark AO

Designed as a green, black, and white enameled cross, surmounted by the Crown of Monomakh, the reverse decorated with the inscription: We Rule the Empire Through God, with initials M for Michael and Cyrillic N for Nicholas II, for the first and last Romanov Tsar, with the Russian Coat of Arms and the dates 1613 and 1913-2.6 in. long

The Tercentenary cross was presented to Orthodox Priests for exceptional merit and issued in memory of the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Rare and Unusual Fabergé Oxidized Gold Crucifix of the Protopresbyter (Confessor) of Tsar Alexander III and Maria Fedorovna
Workmaster Erik Kollin, St. Petersburg, circa 1885, stamped 56 for 14k, and Fabergé in Cyrillic

Set with five garnet clusters of three pear-shaped bezel-set garnets and twenty-seven old mine-cut diamonds, the cross applied with the gold figure of Christ above INRI-6 in. long

The Protopresbyter was the highest-ranking white (married) cleric in Russia. At the end of the 19th century there were four priests who held this rank, including the head of the court clergy, who served as the personal confessor of the Russian Imperial family. White clergy wore the crucifix as opposed to the panagia (icon pendant) worn by the black (monastic) clergy.

Fabergé workmaster Erik Kollin

Born in Finland, Erik August Kollin (1836-1901) moved to St. Petersburg in 1858 where he registered as a goldsmith and worked with Fabergé workmaster August Holmström. Ten years later, Kollin became a master goldsmith and in 1870 opened his own workshop in the Imperial capital at 9 Kazanskaya, where he worked exclusively for Fabergé. He became headworkmaster of the Fabergé workshop and held that post until 1886. He is known for a series of Scythian jewelry recreations for which he received a Gold Medal at the Exhibition of Applied Arts in Nuremberg in 1885.

For another gold pectoral cross by Erik Kollin in the Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, see Geza von Habsburg, Fabergé, Munich, 1986, page 146, plate 134.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Imperial Russian Enameled Silver Romanov Tercentenary Pendant in the Form of a Miniature Photo Album
Stamped St. Petersburg, 1908-17

The cover of the rectangular miniature book pendant enameled in royal blue, applied with a Russian Imperial double-headed eagle with dates 1613 and 1913, containing images of all the Romanov sovereigns from the first, Tsar Michael Fedorovich (r. 1613-1645) and the last, Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich (r. 1894-1917), along with images of Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna, Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, the Tsarevich Grand Duke Alexei Nikolaevich-1 in. long

The Romanov Tercentenary marked the dynasty's final chapter. Ironically, despite his imminent demise, the last Tsar's popularity had never been greater, as the cheering masses during the 1913 celebrations revealed. A service in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan in St. Petersburg was held in February, followed by numerous receptions at the Winter Palace and a lavish ball in honor of the Imperial Couple, Nicholas and Alexandra. To commemorate Russia's pre-Petrine past, the Tsarina wore the traditional kokoshnik headdress with a simple tunic. In May, the couple retraced the pilgrimage taken by Michael Fedorovich, the first Romanov Tsar, from his birthplace in Kostroma to the ancient capital of Moscow.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Imperial Russian Silver and Enamel Grand Duchess Tatiana Lady-in-Waiting Pendant
St. Petersburg, 1908-17

Shield-shaped, of deep blue enamel applied with the entwined initials N T for Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, second child of Emperor Nicholas II, below a Romanov crown, the reverse engraved, with original sticker-1 1/2 in long, in original Imperial presentation box stamped Edvard

Nicholas and Alexandra's second daughter, Grand Duchess Tatiana Nikolaevna, was born in 1897. Tall, slender, with lush chestnut hair and a strong-willed yet elegant bearing, there was no mistaking her imperial blood. The Grand Duchess perished in Ekaterinburg a few weeks after her 21st birthday along with the rest of her family on orders of the new Bolshevik regime.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Rare Russian Alexander I Diamond and Enamel Ring
Late 18th century, unmarked

Elliptical and curved to conform to the finger, the top decorated with royal blue enamel, the center applied with the monogram A, for Tsarevich Alexander Pavlovich, future Tsar Alexander I of Russia (r. 1801-1825) in rose diamonds, enhanced by a larger old European-cut diamond, mounted in gold and silver-top of ring-1 5/8 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Dating from circa 1780-1790, the larger diamond on this ring is said to represent the cipher I in anticipation of the future Tsar's coronation in 1801.

Grand Duke Alexander Pavlovich, Future Tsar of Russia

As a grand duke, Alexander Pavlovich received the best education possible under the supervision of his doting grandmother, Catherine the Great, who was not overly fond of the future Emperor Paul I, Alexander's father. Raised in the tradition of the Enlightenment by the Swiss philosophe, Frédéric-César la Harpe, the handsome grand duke enjoyed the reputation of a reformer, growing increasingly popular as the despotic and demented ways of his father thoroughly alienated his long-suffering subjects.

Gentleman's Enamel and Gold Ring
20th century

In the Russian style, applied with a gold Russian imperial eagle on a blue enamel base within enameled border- size 7 (sizeable)

Provenance:
Purchased from a private dealer, Litchfield, CT

Gentleman's Imperial Russian Nicholas II Ring
Circa 1900

A rare Russian 18k gold ring centered by an insignia N II for Tsar Nicholas II in diamonds, flanked by two antique pastes in bezel settings

George Mikhailovich (1863-1919)

Grand Duke George, grandson of Tsar Nicholas I, was a boyhood friend of Nicholas II and accompanied him on his World Tour in 1891. In Japan, he is said to have saved the Tsarevich's life from a Samurai-wielding policeman. In 1900, he married Princess Marie Georgievna (1876-1940), the fifth child of King George I of Greece and Olga Konstantinovna of Russia. In 1919, George was killed by the Bolsheviks in St. Petersburg.

Provenance:
From the private collection of the descendants of Grand Duke George Mikhailovich (1863-1919).
Purchased from Marie E. Betteley, New York

An Ivory Portrait Miniature of Nicholas II
20th century

A miniature on ivory of Nicholas II, Tsar of Russia (r. 1896-1917) in military uniform (facing viewer) signed with initials GD, within a tortoiseshell boulle frame- 5 ½ x 4 5/8 in.

Rare Enameled and Diamond Pendant and Pair of Earrings en suite, Adapted from an Emperor Alexander I Imperial Presentation Box
Mounted in England as a pendant and pair of earrings, early 19th century

The circular pendant designed as a royal blue guilloché enameled plaque inset with the crowned initial A for Emperor Alexander I of Russia, set with numerous rose diamonds, within a gold acanthus stiff-leaf border surrounded by thirty-one old mine-cut diamonds, the reverse inscribed This locket and pair of earrings were made from a box presented by Emperor Alexander of Russia in 1812 to Adm'l Thomas Bijam Martin, for defence of Riga and other services in the Baltic-attached to a retractable blue enamel and gold suspension ring-2 1/2 in. including ring

Each pendant earring designed as two pear-shaped diamonds on a royal blue enamel and gold base connected by a circular old mine-cut diamond, mounted in silver and gold-1 5/8 in. long-the suite in original blue velvet fitted box stamped L Stoppard Goldsmiths & Jeweler to the Queen 63 Brook Street, Hanover Sq. London

Total approximate weight of diamonds: 15.36 carats

Sir Thomas Byam Martin, G.C.B. (1773-1854) saw considerable action in the Baltic Sea during the allied effort against Napoleon. He had an illustrious career in the Royal Navy, winning promotions to Rear Admiral in 1811 and Admiral of the Fleet in 1815. After the return of peace, Sir Thomas served as Comptroller of the Navy from 1818 through 1831 and also sat in Parliament as member for Plymouth for 13 years, beginning in 1818.

Provenance:
Made from a box presented by Tsar Alexander I of Russia in 1812 to Rear Admiral Thomas Byam Martin, for actions in the Baltic during the Napoleonic wars.

Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Gentleman's Russian Silver Pocket Watch
Late 19th century

Hunter's case, the cover applied with a high-relief Imperial Romanov double-headed eagle, opening to reveal a white enamel dial with blue steel spade hands, Roman chapters with subsidiary seconds, and a second hand dial, signed Pavel Buhre in Cyrillic, with original Swiss 11 jewel nickel movement and platform lever escapement, stamped 875 silver inside dust cover, with engine turned back cover, attached to a later twisted rope chain-53 mm diam., the chain-16 in. long

Born into a family of watchmakers from Neuchâtel who settled in Russia in the 19th century, Pavel Buhre provided most of the watches commissioned by the Imperial Family during the reign of Nicholas II. In 1899, the firm received the title of Supplier to the Imperial Court.

Provenance:
Purchased from Antique Show, New York

Rare Russian Imperial Diamond Maid of Honor Decoration
By Karl Hahn, 1896-1911, unsigned, with inventory number

Designed as the conjoined initials M A for Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna and Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, below a Romanov Crown set with diamonds, the scrolling terminals set with sapphires

Karl Hahn, Jeweler to the Imperial Court

Like Fabergé, Hahn was an important supplier to the Russian Imperial Court who also had the title of Court Jeweler. Based in St. Petersburg, the firm specialized in Court commissions: diamond orders and decorations, portrait badges, snuffboxes, jewels, and objets d'art. The firm closed in 1911.

Recipients of these diamond ciphers were young unmarried women of aristocratic background personally chosen by both the Empress and Dowager Empress. The decorations were worn on specific ceremonial occasions with a court dress in the traditional Old Russian style. The dress was of white silk weighted by a gold and red velvet train complete with kokoshnik diadem of red velvet embroidered with gold. The ciphers were then pinned to the left shoulder on a St. Andrew's sash of pale blue moiré silk. Once married, the demoiselles des Imperatrices would renounce their positions as Maids of Honor, but would be allowed to keep their diamond decorations.

With special thanks to Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm for the above information.

Provenance:
Jointly presented by the Dowager Empress Maria Fedorovna and Empress Alexandra, wife of Emperor Nicholas II to a selected Maid of Honor.
Purchased from Marie E. Betteley, New York

Important Tsar Alexander I Diamond and Enamel Imperial Presentation Bracelet
St. Petersburg, early 19th century, unmarked, possibly by the Théremin brothers

The center applied with crowned initial A for Alexander I Pavlovich, Emperor of Russia (r. 1801-1825), set with rose diamonds on an oval royal blue guilloché enameled plaque, surrounded by twelve graduated old mine-cut diamonds within an openwork diamond surround of scrolls set with old mine-cut diamonds framing two diamond clusters, each comprising a central old mine-cut diamond surrounded by nine old mine-cut diamonds, attached to a royal blue guilloché enamel and gold hinged bangle, diamond section may be detached to form a brooch-central enamel plaque with diamond surround-1 3/4 in. long; entire diamond section-2 1/4 in. wide. Total approximate weight of diamonds: 18.50 carats

Alexander I (1777-1825)

Russia's most enigmatic Tsar, Alexander reigned from 1801 to 1825. He was brought to power by a palace coup and reversed the reactionary course on which his murdered father, Paul I, had set Russia. The liberal first half of his reign came to an end when Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812. Alexander's defeat of the French marked one of the most glorious epochs of Russian history.

Set with the Tsar's crowned diamond initial, this bracelet of outstanding workmanship was presented by the Emperor at the turn of the 19th century. Although the recipient is as yet unknown (this may surface with archival research), bejeweled gifts bearing the cipher of the Sovereign were usually destined for members of the Russian or European nobility, people close to the Imperial family, and foreign court dignitaries. Although unmarked, the bracelet's crosshatched guilloché pattern, monogram design, and diamond settings are characteristics of the Russian workmanship of the Théremin brothers of St. Petersburg, court jewelers and members of the foreign masters guild who settled in Russia in 1793. For an Alexander I diamond ring of similar inspiration in the Hermitage Museum, see Gold of the Tsars: 100 Masterpieces of the Hermitage St. Petersburg, Stuttgart, 1995, p. 179. And for an Alexander I presentation box by Pierre Théremin, see Alexander von Solodkoff's Russian Gold and Silverwork, New York, fig. 194.

Few examples of Russian early 19th century Imperial jewelry ever appear on the market. No other comparable Alexander I bracelet seems to have surfaced at auction in the past 30 years.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Pair of Imperial Russian Military Buttons Mounted as Cufflinks
The buttons circa 1900

Circular, each applied with a Russian Imperial eagle, the reverse reads K. u. K Hof, Liferante with double-headed eagle, each attached to a gold-plated link-diam. of button-approx 1 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Nicholas and Alexandra Silvered Metal Quatrefoil Brooch
Circa 1896

Inset with the portraits of the Imperial couple-1 ½ in. diam.

Rare Imperial Russian Gilt Brass Judge's Collar
19th century

Designed as a long chain of closely connected openwork oval links enhanced on each side with a Russian Imperial eagle, each attached to a Column of Justice motif inscribed in Russian Justice below a Romanov crown, suspending in the center a larger Imperial Russian double-headed eagle-4 in. long; the chain approx. 40 in. long. Sold together with a framed miniature of Tsar Nicholas II, both within a larger frame.

Provenance:
Purchased from Marie E. Betteley, New York

Russian Imperial Silver Jeton Mounted as a Bookmark
Early 20th century

The shield-shaped silver badge of white enamel applied with the crowned Cyrillic initials NA for Nicholas Alexandrovich, Emperor of Russia (r. 1894-1917), the border decorated with Russian inscription Okhtenskoe bratstvo (Okhtenskii brotherhood) on blue enamel with date 1906, attached to silver bookmark-3 in. long

Imperial Russian Tsar Alexander II Justice of the Peace Brass Badge
Dated 20 November 1864 in Cyrillic

Shaped oval, with crowned cipher of Alexander II, Emperor of Russia (r. 1855-1881) and central Russian Imperial double-headed eagle-3 3/8 in. long

Rare Russian Enameled Imperial Order of St. Anne
Late 19th century, unmarked

Second Class, designed as a red enameled Maltese cross, the arms outlined in gold, the center inset with a circular medallion of white enamel depicting the figure of Saint Anne, with mountains and trees in colored enamel, on the reverse also enameled are the first letters of the motto AMANTIBUS, JUSTITIAM, PIETATEM, FIDEM (To those who love Justice, Piety, and Fidelity), set with pastes between the arms and on the suspension ring-50 mm long; with diamond-set suspension ring-2 3/4 in. long, attached to original red and yellow moiré silk ribbon, in original oxblood leather-fitted box stamped F. Butz, St Petersburg

Duke Charles Frederick of Schleswig-Holstein founded the order in 1735 in memory of his wife, Anna Petrovna, daughter of Peter the Great. The Duke began to confer the order to Russians when his son, the future Emperor Peter III, went to Russia in 1742. Later that century, Tsar Paul I established the order as purely Russian. It was awarded primarily for a long and distinguished career in the civil service, the clergy, or the military. Badges of the Second Class were worn on a sash suspended from the neck.

Provenance:
Purchased from Russian Arts Inc., New York

Rare Imperial Russian Gold and Enameled Equestrian Award
Circa 1907

The shaped outline surmounted by a Romanov crown above a Russian Imperial Eagle within a horseshoe in gold, surrounded by the abbreviated Cyrillic inscription loosely translated as Imperial Society of Encouragement for Equestrian Training. The reverse inscribed K.K. Smirnov on a gold ribbon and dated February 14, 1907-45 mm long

Provenance:
Purchased from a Private Dealer, London

Imperial Russian Enameled Silver-Gilt Grand Duke Michael Commemorative Badge
By Eduard Johan Kortman, St. Petersburg, 1906

Designed as a Romanov crown adorned with the orange and black enamel ribbon of the Imperial Order of Saint George, with initial M on crossed miniature cannons of oxidized silver and the dates 1856-1906, and Latin letter L for 50 years-2 in. long

Michael Nikolaevich (1832-1909)

Grand Duke Michael was born in Peterhof in 1832, the fourth son of Emperor Nicholas I. As Viceroy of the Caucasus and a general in the Crimean War, he proved a strong and passionate military leader. He conducted a typically lavish grand ducal lifestyle in his many palaces, in St. Petersburg, Tiflis, and in Mikhailovskoe on the Baltic. His summer residence on the estate of Borzhom, now a natural parkland in Georgia, was roughly the size of Holland.

Eduard Johan Kortman

Supplier to the Russian Imperial court, Kortman owned a gold and silver workshop since 1848. Located on Nevsky Prospect, no.34, his firm was renowned for enameled jetons, imperial badges and other fine gold objects. The jeweler received the Order of Saint Stanislaus, Third Class, and the Order of Saint Anna, Second Class, and also worked for the House of Fabergé.

Provenance:
Presented to Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich (1832-1909) to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of his serving as Inspector General of the Artillery.
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Russian Gold and Enameled Badge
Stamped 72 for 18k

Designed as a quatrefoil, the front centered by a crowned black enameled Imperial double-headed eagle, the raised border inscribed in Russian, To the Esteemed Justice of the Peace, City of Odessa, the reverse inscribed, In token of gratitude, to Grigorii Salomonovich Gurovich, 1871 -1 3/4 in. long, in a new box

Exhibited:
New York, Metropolitan Museum, Fabergé in America, 1996, no. 34, illustrated.

Provenance:
Christie's, New York

Imperial Russian Enameled University Badge
Circa 1900

Designed as a white enameled lozenge applied with a blue enameled cross, surmounted by the Russian Imperial Eagle in silver-65mm long including eagle. In original red presentation box.

Russian Imperial Presentation Brass Seal of the Great State Arms
19th century

Circular, the slip-on cover applied with the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle within a shield enclosed by the Imperial mantle, below the orb and Romanov crown, surrounded by an applied laurel and oak wreath, containing original wax Imperial seal, attached to a braid and tassel-11 1/2 in. diam.

Provenance:
Christie's, New York

Imperial Russian Empress Catherine the Great Silver Table Medal

Later mounted on a silver box, the medallion depicting a bust of Catherine II Alexeevna, Empress of Russia (r. 1762-1796) facing right, wearing Imperial Romanov crown, with deep décolletage, after a portrait by I. B. Gass in Russian KOP A. KLI with inscription around edge, the reverse with scene of full-length goddess Ceres holding staff and wreath in landscape with Cyrillic inscription REWARD FOR GOOD DEEDS-65 mm. diam.; the box American, 20th century, stamped sterling-3 5/8 x 3 x 3/4 in.

Award Medal issued by the Liberal Economy Society as a "Recompense for Labour"
Undated, but issued in 1768, this example is a copy of the original medal by A. Klepikov and is signed as such on the reverse, Smirnov 253/a, Diakov 142.3.

Russian Imperial Table Medal
19th century

The obverse with full-length figure of Minerva, surrounded by the Cyrillic inscription TO THE ONE WHO SUCCEEDS, the reverse with a double headed eagle, in original fitted box-40 mm. diam. Prize Medal Awarded to Male Gymnasia Students. Undated; issued in 1835. Engravers M. Sizorsky and V. Baranov. Unsigned issue, Smrinov 479/a, Diakov 523.3

Imperial Russian Alexander I Karelian Birchwood Table Box
Circa 1812

Circular, the slip-on cover fitted with a gilded profile facing right of Emperor Alexander I of Russia (r. 1801-1825) after a portrait by Morel, bordered by the inscription Alexander I Imp. Russorum below a gold-mounted glass, the interior lined in tortoiseshell-3 1/4 in. diam.

Imperial Russian Emperor Nicholas I Commemorative Silver Table Medal
Stamped Moscow, 1908-17

The bust of the Tsar facing left wearing uniform and helmet of the Imperial Horse Guards after a portrait by
P. Brusnitzin, 1859, surrounded by Russian inscription: Nicholas I, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias, Born 23 June 1796, Died 18 February 1855, within a raised laurel leaf border, framed, with ring for outer suspension ring-4 in. diam. with leather backing

Nicholas I (1796-1855)

If his older brother, Tsar Alexander I, reflected the temperament of his grandmother, Catherine the Great, Nicholas I bore the imprint of their stern father, Paul I. Having acceded to the throne during the turmoil of the Decembrist Revolt of 1825, Nicholas ruled his empire with an iron hand. Born with a soldierly temperament, the Emperor was literally heartbroken by his beloved army's humiliating defeat in the Crimea, and he died in 1855, not long before the war's end.

Russian Alexander II Silver Coronation Medal
1856

The obverse with profile of Alexander II, Tsar of Russia, with Cyrillic inscription His Imperial Majesty Alexander II, Emperor Autocrat of All the Russias, Crowned in Moscow, 1856, the reverse with Russian double-headed eagle below the words God is With Us, in a fitted red leather case-50 mm diam. Engravers: A. Lyalin and M. Kuchkin. Smirnov 603/b, Diakov 653.2.

Alexander II (1818-1881)

Alexander II (r. 1855-1881) is fondly remembered by Russians as the "Tsar Liberator," whose most important achievement was to free his empire's serfs. Upon inheriting the throne from his stern father, Nicholas I, as Russia's autocratic edifice was severely shaken by defeat in the Crimean War, Alexander sought to revitalize his realm through his "Great Reforms." Ironically, on March 13, 1881, he was assassinated by terrorists on the very day he authorized a decree that would have put Russia on the path toward representative government.

Imperial Russian Nicholas II Coronation Table Medal
1896

Commemorating the Imperial coronation of Tsar Nicholas II Alexandrovich (r. 1894-1917), the border inscribed in Russian By the Grace of God Nicholas II Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, the reverse with laurelleaf wreath and inscription For Diligence, attached to a red and white Saint Vladimir ribbon-50 mm. diam.

Nicholas II (1868-1918)

A tragic figure, Nicholas suffered the fate of inheriting the Romanov Crown with neither the desire nor the temperament to be Emperor and Autocrat of the globe's most extensive empire. Russia's last Tsar reigned at a time of considerable stresses brought about by the modern age. A firm believer in his God-given prerogatives as an absolute monarch, Nicholas nevertheless proved capable of reform in times of crisis. However, his dynasty proved unable to weather its most severe test during the Great War.

French Nicholas II Bronze Table Medal
1896

Uniface, commemorating the Russian Emperor's visit to France, with the profile bust of Nicholas II, Tsar of Russia (1896-1917), inscribed Nicolas above and Paris 6 Oct 1896-4 in. diam.

Russian Nicholas and Alexandra Bronze Table Medal
Circa 1896

Depicting the Imperial couple below a ribbon-tied Romanov eagle-4 in. diam.

Imperial Russian Silver Table Medal of the Wedding of Nicholas and Alexandra
Circa 1894

One side depicting the profiles of Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich and his betrothed Alexandra Fedorovna, each facing left, surrounded by Cyrillic inscription In Memory of the Marriage of Emperor Nicholas II to Princess Alice of Hesse and date 14 Nov 1894, the reverse depicting the wedding of the Imperial couple in the Uspensky (Assumption) Cathedral of the Kremlin, unmarked-55 mm. diam.

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Market, London

Russian Imperial Presentation Silver Badge of Honor in Original Fitted Box Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Nuptials of Emperor Nicholas II and Alexandra Fedorovna, with award document to F. Shulitse, Dated March 15, 1915
Stamped Moscow 1908-17

Designed as a silver shield-shaped locket surmounted by the Russian Imperial crown, the center with applied Romanov double-headed eagle within a wreath, opening to reveal the crowned ciphers of Nicholas and Alexandra above a photograph of the Imperial couple with the dates 1894 and 1914-2 in. high including suspension ring; award-8 1/4 x 7 1/2 in.

Provenance:
Armoury of St. James, London

Serbian Silver-gilt and Enamel Order of Saint Sava

A Commander's neck badge, the silver-gilt ball-tipped cross decorated with blue-edged white enamel, small eagles in the angles between the arms, centering an oval portrait of the national Saint in red vestments, outer blue band is inscribed By His Talents­- 87.7 x 49 mm including crown suspender, with original ribbon in case of issue

Provenance:
Purchased from a Private Dealer, London

Continental Champlevé Enameled Alexander II Brass Napkin Ring
Circa 1870

Cylindrical, overall enameled in cobalt blue decorated with foliate scrolls in brass within red enameled border, with the crowned initial A for Alexander II, Emperor of Russia (r. 1855-1881) in brass on bright yellow ground, within cartouche, the opposite side with vacant brass medallion on yellow ground-1 1/2 in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased at Manhattan Art & Antiques Center, New York

Rare Imperial Russian Fabergé Alexander III 25th Wedding Anniversary Presentation Desk Clock
Workmaster Ivan Rappaport, St. Petersburg, circa 1891, signed IP, and Fabergé in Cyrillic

The heart-shaped silver clock engraved in Cyrillic script with the names of the Tsar's Imperial residences Gatchina, Livadia, Tsarskoe (Selo), Anichkov, Peterhof, and Cottage, the top applied with Roman numerals XXV within an openwork ribbon-tied laurelleaf wreath, the base, 28 X (October), enclosing a round white enamel dial with blue chapters, the years (18)66 and (18)91 as twelve o'clock and six o'clock respectively, the numerals one to five replaced by Cyrillic letters M I N N I spelling the Emperor's favorite name for the Empress, with the balance of the chapters represented by the first Cyrillic letter of each of their children's names: N G K M O, for Nicholas, George, Xenia, Michael, and Olga, within a raised laurel border, the silver strut forming the Tsar's initial A, the 8-day movement signed by Moser, with attached key on chain-5 1/2 in. high

Alexander III and Maria Fedorovna

The last Tsar to carry out his full reign, Alexander III ruled Russia from 1881 to 1894. Alexander acceded to the throne on March 14, 1881, a day after the assassination of his father, Emperor Alexander II, by a terrorist's bomb. Having inherited the Romanov crown in turbulent circumstances, Alexander III ruled his empire with an iron hand. Yet although he reversed some of his more liberal predecessor's reforms, he was not a blind reactionary. Alexander's thirteen-year reign witnessed the beginnings of industrialization, healthy state finances, and the start of the Trans-Siberian Railway. More important, the Emperor also restored his realm's stature as a great power after humiliating military and diplomatic defeats in the previous decades. Dubbed the "Tsar Peacemaker" (tsar mirotvorets), Alexander was the only Romanov monarch for well over a century not to have seen his soldiers at war.

With a powerful six-foot physique, stern blue-gray eyes, and a full, black beard, Alexander III fully personified the mighty Russian autocracy. His strength was such that he entertained his guests by bending horseshoes and iron pokers. When at one state dinner the Austrian Ambassador hinted that his emperor might mobilize two or three army corps on Russia's border to resolve a quarrel in the Balkans, Alexander calmly picked up a silver fork, tied it into a knot and placed it on the startled diplomat's plate, adding, "This is how I will deal with your corps." A man of simple tastes, the tsar preferred the amusements of the hunt and the parlor to the more lavish pleasures of the St Petersburg court. Remarkably for a highborn Russian, Alexander was also utterly devoted to his wife, the Empress Maria Fedorovna.

Born Princess Dagmar of Denmark, the future Tsarina had been intended for Alexander's older brother, Grand Duke Nicholas Alexandrovich. However, the Tsarevich fell mortally ill, and on his deathbed is said to have placed his fiancée's hand in his brother's, commanding him to love her. Now the heir to the throne, Alexander III carried out the will, and the two were wed on November 9, 1866. By all accounts, the imperial couple enjoyed a harmonious and loving marriage. Maria presented her husband with five children, including the future Tsar Nicholas II.

The Empress was very careful not openly to interfere in politics. At the same time, she was the only person in Russia the Tsar allowed to influence his rule. It was partly at her urging that Alexander concluded the military alliance with the French Republic in 1894, a step that transformed European diplomacy.

Maria Fedorovna was much loved by her adopted subjects. The petite, dark-haired monarch was blessed with an out-going, gay temperament and easily made friends in St. Petersburg's notoriously venomous haute monde. Unlike her austere husband, Marie adored the glittering nightlife of the Imperial capital. By tradition, any ball she attended began with a lively mazurka, her favorite dance. Although she typically had a handsome young guards officer as her partner, her private life was irreproachable.

Despite his frugal ways, Alexander never stinted in presenting jewelry to his adored consort. Among the Empress's favorites was an imposing necklace with no less than nine strands of large pearls, all perfect in color and shape, held together with diamond fleur-de-lis clasps.

On the same silver wedding anniversary, the Imperial couple received from various relatives another silver clock by Fabergé that was massive, sculptural, and imposing. This understated Fabergé timepiece, privately commissioned by the Emperor for his wife symbolized their enduring love on a far more personal level.

Fabergé workmaster Julius Rappaport

Julius Rappaport (1851-1917) joined the House of Fabergé around 1890 and became Head Silver Workmaster of the St. Petersburg workshop. An excellent silversmith specializing in silver-mounted items in the classical style, the Imperial family entrusted Rappaport with the most important commissions. At the 1900 Paris World Exhibition, Rappaport won the Grand Prize for his famous miniature recreations of the Imperial regalia. Along with headworkmaster Michael Perchin and his successor, Henrik Wigström, Rappaport was the only Fabergé workmaster in St. Petersburg to produce clocks for the Imperial Family.

Provenance:
Presented by Tsar Alexander III (r. 1881-1894) to his wife Maria Fedorovna on the occasion of their Silver Wedding Anniversary celebrated on October 28, 1891.

Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Imperial Russian Empress Maria Fedorovna Linen Handkerchief
Circa 1890

Of fine transparent white gauze folded in quarters, the corner embroidered with the crowned entwined initials MF, for Empress Maria Fedorovna (1847-1928) with lace border enhanced with embroidered floral sprays and garlands-7 x 6 3/4 folded, within later brown leather portfolio frame

Provenance:
Purchased from the Armory Show, New York

Russian Silk Pillow with Watercolor Portrait of a Young Woman

Square, according to back panel, embroidered by Empress Alexandra, wife of Tsar Nicholas II (r. 1894-1917), with a ribbon-tied foliate swag and crossed arrows above a circular watercolor portrait of a young woman signed E B and said to be by Grand Duchess Elizabeth (Ella) (1864-1918), Empress Alexandra's older sister, the back panel reads in Russian:

Embroidery
Her Imperial Majesty Empress
Alexandra Feodorovna

Aquarelle
Her Imperial Majesty
Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna

10 ½ in square, sold together with an accompanying envelope inscribed in Russian: To my, kind, loving little niece Masha Trubetskaya
On her birthday 3/16 July and name day 22 July/4 Aug.
From ? who loves her with all his heart
Teri Karl Guy (??)
Klamarg 22 July/4 Aug. 1957

During the summer of 1895, Empress Alexandra and her sister Grand Duchess Elizabeth spent time together at Peterhof, the Imperial residence in St. Petersburg, engaged in needlework and other artistic endeavors. The two were close as the Grand Duchess had played a major role in the betrothal of her younger sister to the Tsarevich and would give them presents every year on the anniversary of their wedding. After the tragic death of her husband, Grand Duke Serge Alexandrovich (b. 1857) by an assasin's bomb in 1905, Grand Duchess Elizabeth took the veil and devoted the rest of ther life to religious causes. On July 18th, 1918, the day after the assassination of the imperial family, she too was murdered by the Bolsheviks.

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna Silk Garter
1918

The beige silk garter below a Romanov crown, framed-approx 6 in. diam.

Provenance:
Said to have been found among the Tsarina's personal effects in the bedrooms of the Tsar's palace in Tsarskoe Selo in 1918, following the assassination of the Russian Imperial family.
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Imperial Russian Tsar Nicholas II Ceramic Coronation Beaker
By Kuznetsov

This olive green ceramic beaker was made by the M. S. Kuznetsov Factory in Russia to commemorate the 1896 Coronation of the last Romanov couple, Nicholas and Alexandra, the front depicts the Moscow Coat of Arms of Saint George slaying the Dragon, centering an oak leaf garland with Romanov crown, below the Cyrillic inscription Remember the Coronation, flanked by the crowned Cyrillic ciphers of the Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Fedorovna, the beaker which tapers slightly from bottom to top measures- 4 5/8 in. high

Russian Emperor Nicholas II "Khodinka" Cup
1896

Ceramic on copper, called the Khodinka Cup, or Cup of Sorrows, made to commemorate the Russian Imperial Coronation of the last Romanov couple, Nicholas and Alexandra in 1896, the front depicts the crowned ciphers of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra Fedorovna above the date 1896, the reverse, the Russian Imperial double-headed eagle, decorated with a rust-colored and pale blue strapwork design below a gilt border-4 in. high

Four days after the Tsar's coronation, on May 18, 1896, close to half a million people gathered on the Khodynka Field northwest of Moscow, to celebrate the occasion and receive gifts, including this beaker, from the Imperial family. These were to be distributed the following morning. Early the next day, which was unseasonably hot, rumor spread about a shortage of souvenirs. The masses in a panic started to surge towards the distribution stalls causing widespread trampling and over a thousand deaths. Many saw the catastrophe at Khodynka Field as a bad omen for the Tsar's new reign.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Imperial Russian Nicholas and Alexandra Tin Coronation Beaker
1896, St. Petersburg

The tin beaker decorated on one side with a Russian double-headed eagle above Cyrillic initials NA for Emperor Nicholas Alexandrovich (r. 1894-1917) and date May 14, 1896, the reverse with double portraits of the Tsar and Tsarina surrounded by Imperial ermine mantle below Romanov crown and orb and scepter, the Russian inscription In Commemoration of the Imperial Coronation-5 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Marie E. Betteley, New York

A Pair of Cast Glass Busts of Nicholas and Alexandra
Circa 1900

Tsar Nicholas II (r.1896-1917) in military uniform on a raised plinth inscribed Le Tsar Nicolas II, Bonbons John Tavernier, Alexandra wearing a fur-trimmed décolletage, a pearl choker and a long pendant necklace above La Tsarine-13 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Triple Pier Show, New York

Small Nicholas and Alexandra Enameled Brass Souvenir Box
French, 1896

Commemorating the Tsar's visit to Paris in October, of brass surrounding clear beveled panels, the cover depicting in enamels the Imperial couple in separate oval frames centered by the initials R.F. for Republique Française, flanked by the tricolore above the date 1896-2 x 3 x 2 5/8 in.

Imperial Russian Photograph of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich in Original Frame

Depicting the Grand Duke (1847-1909) in full court uniform facing 3/4 to the dexter within an articulated oak frame, the corners decorated with scrolls, the top applied with Romanov crown with raised borders, wooden backing and strut-
10 5/8 x 9 1/8 in.

Vladimir was a really good connoisseur of everything concerning the arts. He was a good painter, and a patron of the ballet, particularly helpful to Diaghilev. He was highly intelligent, and better educated than most of his extended family, and was basically a very kind person-Prince David Chavchavadze

The third son of Alexander II, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich was Commander of the Imperial Guard and President of the Academy of Fine Arts. He fulfilled this latter duty with zeal, and was particularly fond of the jeweler's art. He was an early fan of Fabergé and helped his brother, Tsar Alexander III, commission the first Imperial Easter egg in 1885. In 1902, the Grand Duke held an exhibit of jewelry by the master at his palace, which included miniature replicas of the Romanov Crown Jewels.

Original Presentation Photograph of Anastasie Mikhailovna, Grand Duchess of Russia (1860-1922)

The sepia toned photograph of the Grand Duchess signed Anastasie and dated 1891, in yellow velvet brass overlay frame, with Royal emblem, 13 x 9 ½ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from St. Petersburg Shop, Paris

Original Photograph of Tsar Nicholas II

Handsome depiction of the Nicholas II, Tsar of Russia (r. 1894-1917) on horseback, signed Nicolai in Cyrillic, and dated May 20, 1910, 14 x 15 in.

Original Invitation for a Reception to Honor Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich, Future Tsar Alexander II of Russia

Printed invitation for a reception honoring the Grand Duke eleven years prior to his reign, (r. 1885-1881), at Guild Hall, on May 18, 1874, from the Honorable W. Spencer Ponsonby, signed by Edward Hart, framed, 9 x 12 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from an autograph show, New York

Imperial Russian Menu for the Wedding Banquet of Grand Duke Peter Nikolaevich and Princess Militsa of Montenegro
In Russian, dated July 26, 1889, Peterhof

Chromolithograph, depicting a double-headed eagle above Romanov Imperial crown amidst a bouquet of roses surmounting the oval shields of the respective royal families, the center with crowned initials of Grand Duke Peter Nikolaevich (1864-1931) and Princess Militsa (1866-1951) in Cyrillic with scenes of the two countries united-12 1/2 x 9 1/4 in. within a later frame

Since the days of Peter the Great, ties between the tiny Balkan Kingdom of Montenegro and Russia had been close. Nevertheless, Tsar Alexander III's efforts to secure Princess Militsa as the bride for Grand Duke Peter were not easy. While her father, King Nicholas of Montenegro, readily agreed to the match, the princess refused to leave without her sister Anastasia. The King threatened to ship her to St. Petersburg in chains to fulfil her dynastic obligations, but this drastic solution was averted when Alexander found another eligible cousin, the Duke of Leuchtenberg. While the duke was a "confirmed bachelor," the prospect of the immense dowry Alexander III promised to arrange led to a change of heart. Nicknamed "the black peril," the Montenegran sisters were prominent figures in fin-de-siècle St. Petersburg society. The duo also shared an avid interest in mysticism, and it was they who introduced Dr. Philippe and Rasputin to Empress Alexandra.

Provenance:
Purchased from Marie E. Betteley

Imperial Russian Menu for the Wedding Banquet of Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich and Princess Alexandra of Greece
Dated June 4, 1889, in French

Chromolithograph, depicting a Romanov Imperial crown above the arms of the Russian Empire and the Kingdom of Greece draped by the respective countries' flags with Cyrillic initials of Grand Duke Paul Alexandrovich and Alexandra, Princess of Greece (1870-1891), below a laurel branch, a scene of St. Petersburg above and scenes of Athens below, signed-12 1/2 x 8 1/4 in., in a later frame.

Paul Alexandrovich (1860-1919)

Only 21 years old, Alexandra, the Grand Duke's wife, died in childbirth only three years after their wedding. As a widower, the Grand Duke did not distinguish himself in the Imperial court. Close in age to Nicholas II, Paul Alexandrovich was a favorite uncle of the Tsar. Nicholas's fondness turned to disfavor for the Grand Duke however, when his mistress, Madame Olga Pistolkors, scandalized the court by sporting some diamonds that had once belonged to the late Empress Maria on her ample décolletage at a Winter Palace Ball. Forced into exile, the couple wed in Italy, but were eventually allowed to return to St. Petersburg. A little over a year after the Revolution, the Cheka executed the Grand Duke in the Saints Peter and Paul Fortress.

Provenance:
Purchased from Marie E. Betteley

Imperial Russian Nicholas II Coronation Announcement
By Ivan Ropet, Moscow, 1896

Chromolithograph, an announcement of the Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II Alexandrovich and his consort Alexandra Fedorovna on May 14, 1896, in Old Church Slavonic script enclosed by colorful Style Russe strap work decoration, the top depicting a crowned Cyrillic N within a circular frame above the Order of Saint Andrew, flanked by two black Romanov double-headed eagles, the borders decorated with the Coats of Arms of various Russian towns-16 1/2 x 11 1/2 in., within a later frame

The Coronation of Tsar Nicholas II

The Coronation of Nicholas Alexandrovich was held on May 14th, 1896 in the Assumption Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. Costing over 100 million rubles, it was to be the final and most extravagant of Romanov coronations: kings, crown princes, presidents, and other heads of state from around the world traveled to the old capital to participate in the 20-day festivity. One journalist described the Kremlin's ambiance at twilight after the Imperial procession: "A magical fairytale began, a waking dream. People walked as if spellbound among glowing precious stones, the million lights of the city and the Kremlin, admiring the exotic sight".

For an example in the Hermitage Museum see, Nicholas and Alexandra, the Last Imperial Family of Tsarist Russia, London, 1998, p. 283.

Literature:
Elena Chernevich, Russian Graphic Design, 1880-1917 (New York, 1990), p. 29.

Provenance:
Purchased from Marie Betteley, New York

Pair of Russian Regimental Epaulettes
Mid to late 19th century

Each applied with the Imperial crowned initial of Tsar Alexander II (r. 1855-1881) with gold braided trim on red felt-5 ¾ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Russian Arts Ltd.

Pair of Miniature British Brass Parade Helmets on Stands
Early 20th century

One of the Royal Life Guards, the other of the 2nd or the Queen's Royal Regiment, applied with a horsehair plume, one encircled by the motto, Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense on a star, the other within an oak and laurel garland, each with neck straps on a columnar stand-the helmets: 8 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Rare Georgian Brass Gorget for a Major
English, circa 1760

Of typical form, engraved with the crown initials GR for George III Rex (King) within laurel leaf bands-4 1/2 in.

Provenance:
Forsyth's, Nashville, TN

Gilt Metal Sword of the Bodyguard of King William IV (the Sailor King) of Great Britain and Ireland
Circa 1830

The scabbard of leather and gilt metal engraved with scrolls, one side applied with a brass plaque bearing the crowned inscription Firmin & Sons Sword Cutters to His Majesty 153 Strand London, the steel tapered blade similarly engraved and signed, with gilt metal hilt attached to pommel designed with tassel of silvered thread, one side embroidered with the initials WR for William IV, King of Great Britain (1830-37)- 38 1/2 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from Forsyth's, Nashville, TN

Pair of Regimental Epaulettes
19th century

Of typical form, the silvered tasseled epaulettes applied with sword and sheath below a royal crown-7 ½ in. long

British Commemorative Regimental Drummer's Sash
1945

A ceremonial sash of intricate brocade on red leather backing, the front embroidered with British victories spanning 350 years, from Namur 1695 to Italy 1943-45, and including South Africa 1899, Salamanca (1812), Loos (1915), Gazala (1942), Barrosa (1811), Dettingen (1743), and Talavera (1809), surmounted by the British Royal crown, a military star, and two drumsticks which fit into two pairs of loops sewn on the sides, with a tasseled base and red leather backing-61 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from a Private Dealer, Los Angeles

Napoleonic Regimental Glass Campaign Flask
French, circa 1812

The glass flask with basket cover, the front applied with a large gilt metal Napoleonic crowned eagle perched on crossed arrows, above the gold and openwork no. 36, the sides mounted in brown leather, each side attached to a red white and blue cord, with cork-7 in. long x 5 in. wide

Napoleon (1769-1821)

Born Napoleone di Buonaparte in 1769 on France's recently acquired island of Corsica and trained at the Royal Military School in Paris, Napoleon adeptly translated a successful military career into political leadership during the turbulent years of the French Revolution. Crowning himself Emperor of France in 1804, the ambitious general launched a dramatic campaign that soon put large swaths of continental Europe under his scepter. It was only when he launched his ill-fated invasion of Russia in 1812 that his dreams of hegemony were dashed. Defeat at Waterloo on 18 June 1815 against an alliance led by Britain and Prussia confirmed the end of Napoleon's grand ambitions. Nevertheless, his many reforms in law and administration helped modernize much of Europe.

Provenance:
Purchased from Forsyth's, Nashville, TN

Pair of Portuguese Epaulettes in Original Fitted Case
19th century

Royal Navy, each tasseled epaulette applied with a silver anchor and rope, one below the Royal crown of Portugal, in a tin carrying case lined in pink silk the interior stamped Bello, Lisboa- epaulette-5 in. long

Pair of Spanish Brass Epaulettes
Early 20th century

Each applied with a royal crown above entwined initials of Alfonso XIII, King of Spain (r. 1896-1931), the reverse stamped Lucas Saenz, Madrid on red felt backing-5 ½ in. long

Austro-Hungarian Imperial Eagle Mounted on Wood
Circa 1890

-4 ¼ in. diam.

British Regimental Cartridge Case
1901-1914

A cartridge case of the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, the cover applied with a bugle and braid below the royal crown-6 in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

British Army Cartridge Box
19th century

Royal Artillery, decorated with the British Royal Coat of Arms above a gilded cannon and Latin inscription Quo fas, Et Gloria Ducunt (Where Duty and Glory Lead)-6 ¾ in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

George V Document Pouch
Circa 1915

Applied with the conjoined letters GR for George, Rex, King of Great Britain (r. 1910-1936) below the Royal crown and further decorated with a band of oak leaves, the leather and felt case with two compartments-5 ½ in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

British Leather Cartridge Box
19th century

With Royal emblem of two lions flanking a shield above inscription, on black leather-5 ½ in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

British George V Silver Cartridge Box
Birmingham, 1925

Applied with crowned initials, leather pouch missing-7 ¼ in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

British George V Silver Cartridge Box
Circa 1915

Of typical form, set with the crowned brass initials GRV for George V, King of Great Britain (1910-1936), with leather interior compartment -6 ¾ in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

British Royal Silver Plate Clothes Brush
Circa 1915

Rectangular, the surface applied with the crowned initials PRDS-7 ¼ in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

British Oak Regimental Box
Circa 1940

Made from two George VI cartridge cases, opening from the center, each top cover centrally applied with the Royal star and crowned initials, mounted in oak-5 ¼ x 7 ¼ x 2 ¼ in.

Austro-Hungarian Cartridge Box
Circa 1900

Of typical form and curving brass borders, the cover applied with the Imperial double-headed eagle of the Habsburg Empire, the red leather interior compartment fitted with detailed side panels depicting banners, swords, trumpets, and cannons-6 in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Queen Victoria enameled Gold and Gilt Metal Presentation Medal: Order of India
Circa 1880

Designed as a red enameled posey with green enamel leaves on gilt metal enclosing a high carat gold medallion bust of Queen Victoria facing left within a gold and blue enameled band inscribed IMPERATRICIS AUSPICIIS (Under the Protection of the Empress), surmounted by an openwork metal gilt crown, with large gold suspension ring-2 3/4 in. long including ring

Provenance:
Purchased from Kentshire Gallery, New York

Rare Victorian Enamel, Diamond, and Gem-Set Baronet's Badge of Nova Scotia
English, circa 1874

Designed as a polished gold shield with red enamel lion rampant surrounded by small pearls, averaging 3 mm, faceted emeralds, and sapphires below a red enamel and gold crown, within a blue enamel garter with motto FAX MENTIS HONESTAE GLORIA (Glory is the light of a noble mind), in gold framed by thirty-seven old mine-cut diamonds, weighing approximately 1.85 carats total, the reverse engraved in Roman numerals for March 30, 1874, attached to an oval suspension ring-2 in. including ring, attached to an orange moiré silk ribbon, in original fitted blue leather box stamped Spink & Son, Ltd, 5-7 King St. St. James, London SWI

King James I of England granted the North American colony of New Scotland to Sir William Alexander in 1621 on the peninsula that today comprises the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. Ten years earlier, to support the settlement of Ireland, King James had instituted the hereditary Order of Baronets, a "new dignitie between Barons and Knights." On 28 May 1625, he created the Nova Scotia Baronets to support his overseas plantation. Baronets of Nova Scotia were asked to pay the Crown £2,000 (to support 6 colonists) and another £1,000 to Sir William. In 1629, King James authorized the badges, bearing the red lion rampant and suspended from an orange ribbon, for members of the order. No further Nova Scotia Baronets were created after the Act of Union of 1707, which joined Scotland with England in 1707. As a result, all present Nova Scotia Baronets are remnants of these ancient families.

Provenance:
Said to have been presented to Sir Alexander Jardine, 10th Baronet of Applegirth.
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Royal Prince of Wales Grenadier Guards Brass Badge
British, circa 1916

Mounted on a red velvet background and framed, the badge with voided center decorated with the cipher of King George V encircled with the Order of the Garter and motto and surmounted by a King's crown, with original envelope inscribed by Queen Mary: Grenadier badge worn on his steel helmet by the Prince of Wales from April 1916 till Octr 1917. He gave it to me. Mary R.- 7 x 9 1/4 in.

Provenance:
Queen Mary
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor
Sotheby's, New York, Property from the Collection of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, 19th February 1998, lot 24

British enameled Silver Medal
Circa 1959

Displaying enamelled shield within green enamelled laurel wreath, the reverse engraved Alderman L.F. Davey, 1958-1959, in case of issue with original ribbon

Provenance:
Purchased from a Private Dealer, London

Neck Badge of a Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta

The white enamel arms with fleur-de-lis in between, below crown, attached to original black moiré silk ribbon, in original fitted case-82 mm long, including crown suspension

Provenance:
Purchased from a Private Dealer, London

Austro-Hungarian Silver-Gilt and Enamel Order of the Golden Fleece
19th century

The neck badge with original ribbon and case of issue stamped with Austro-Hungarian Coat of Arms-3 3/8 in. long

The Order of the Golden Fleece was founded in Bruges by Philip the Good (r. 1419-1467), Duke of Burgundy, to commemorate his marriage on the 10th January 1429 to the Infanta Isabella, daughter of the King of Portugal. Later awarded by the Kings of Spain, the order became coveted throughout Europe. In 1748, the order was divided into Austrian and Spanish branches. Except for Imperial archdukes and foreign nobility, it was usually only given as a reward for a lifetime of service to the Imperial family.

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Danish Gold and Enamel Order of the Dannebrog

Commander's neck Cross, by Michelsen, Copenhagen, 93mm x 48mm, surmounted by the crowned intials C.IX.R. for Christian IX, King of Denmark (r. 1863-1906), in case of issue embossed Hof Ordens Juveleer A. Michelsen and stamped with the eight-pointed star of the order

Christian IX (1818-1906)

Denmark's King from 1863 to 1906, shortly after Christian IX assumed the throne, his small kingdom was routed by the German states in 1864. In later years, he vainly resisted democracy until forced to yield to parliamentary government in 1901. Christian proved more adept at nuptial politics by marrying off his daughters Alexandra and Marie to the future King of England and Tsar of Russia, respectively.

Imperial Austro-Hungarian Silver Military Inkwell
Circa 1890, stamped with Austrian hallmarks

On a rectangular silver plinth, an elaborate regimental helmet, the Imperial crest in front, oak leaf clusters on either side and on curved top, with swinging chin guard decorated with laurel leaves, forming the lid of inkwell in the center, which lifts on a hinge, further enhanced by applied axe and tied ropework on a blanket, entirely modeled in silver-9 1/4 x 5 1/2 x 5 in. high including helmet

Provenance:
Purchased from D. Podlewski, London

Imperial Austro-Hungarian Franz Josef Gilt Bronze Household Chamberlain's Key
Circa 1870

Of elaborate design, the handle decorated with openwork foliate scrolls below a royal crown, attached to an embroidered crowned Habsburg double-headed eagle with tinsel, golden metallic threads and pailettes-5 5/8 in. long, in original brown leather fitted box

Provenance:
Probably presented by Franz Josef, Emperor of Austria (r. 1848-1916), King of Hungary (r. 1867-1916).
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Damaged and Inscribed Silver Spoon with Royal Provenance in Fitted Case
Marked by William Eley I and William Fearn, London, 1799, marked on handle

A shell and scroll reeded tablespoon, twisted and broken in two parts, the handle engraved tourné par le Prince Charles le 24 Janvier 1837, the bowl engraved Vermachtniss F. Kais. H. d. Grossf. Maria Nikol. Herzogin v. Leuchtenb. 1876, in fitted case, the case - 4 3/4 in. long

As the younger brother of Empress Alexandra Fedorovna, Emperor Nicholas I's wife, Prince Charles was Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna's uncle. A general in the Prussian army, Prince Charles participated in King William I's wars of German unification and amassed an enormous collection of weapons.

Provenance:
According to the inscriptions, this spoon was twisted by Charles-Frederick-Alexander, Prince of Prussia (1801-1883) in 1837 and was subsequently bequeathed to Grand Duchess Maria Nikolaevna, Duchess of Leuchtenberg, by the Prince in 1876.

Christie's, New York

English Victorian Silver Royal Presentation Bachelor's Tea-Service
Marked Birmingham, with date letters N for 1862 (on cream jug) and V for 1870 (on teapot and cream jug) and maker's mark FE

Comprising a covered teapot, two-handled sugar-bowl, and cream-jug, each oval with partly gadrooned sides, the tea pot with gadrooned hinged cover and wooden finial, the front engraved DR JAMES REID FROM VICTORIA R.I. XMAS 1888 , the reverse with crest below motto-the teapot-4 3/4 in high, in original red leather silk-lined fitted presentation case stamped Elkington & Co.

Provenance:
Given by Queen Victoria to Dr. James Reid, the Queen's surgeon
Purchased at Peter Kassai, New York

Queen Victoria Commemorative Jubilee Pewter Mug
1887

A golden Jubilee mug, its base inset with transparent lithopane portrait of Queen Victoria above the inscription 1837 Jubilee 1887-5 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Royal Victoria and Albert Ivory-Handled Carving Set
English, probably commemorating the Royal wedding of 1840

A carving knife and fork of forged steel, each fitted with ivory handles, the fork carved with the head of Queen Victoria, the knife with that of the Prince Consort, Albert, each with crowned initial in black- the fork-11 in. long; the knife-15 in. long; in original fitted burgundy leather box

Provenance:
Purchased from The House of Hillman

Victorian Silver-Plated Inkwell Commemorating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee
English, circa 1897

In the form of the bust of Queen Victoria, wearing court regalia, the reverse inscribed Victoria Regina, 50 Years, 1897, the crown on her head lifting to reveal inkwell, on a square grooved base-7 1/4 in high

Provenance:
Purchased from Morning Glory, New York

Small English Commemorative Silver Bust of King Edward VIII
Stamped Birmingham, 1936

Depicting Edward VIII, King of England and Emperor of India (r. 1936) facing right at 3/4 angle wearing military uniform, on a square plinth, also stamped Made in England, copyright-4 3/8 in. high

British Silver Presentation Double Inkwell
1910

The rectangular shaped tray with two pen trays, mounted with two silver capped square bottles flanking a silver candle holder and miniature snifter, the front inscribed in part Dr. T. Ross Macdonald, H.R. H. The Princess of Connaught and dated August 1910, on curved feet-12 in. wide

Provenance:
Given to Dr. T. Ross Macdonald by Margaret, Princess of Connaught in 1910
Purchased from Antique Show, New York

British Pewter Teapot Commemorating the Baptism of Edward VII
1841

Of bulbous form, on foliate capped legs, the slightly domed cover applied with a floral finial below which is engraved on scrolling ribbons Born November 9th 1841-Bapd January 25th 1841, with a curved spout and foliate-capped scroll handle -4 ½ in high

Provenance:
Purchased from Forsyth's, Nashville, TN

British Edward VII Gilt Silver Coronation Spoon in Fitted Case
1902

A replica of the Coronation anointing spoon of Edward VII, the engraved bowl with central spine, with detailed tapering handle, in original leather box, the cover stamped Edward VII, 26th June 1902, the inside cover stamped Reid & Sons, Goldsmiths & Jewellers to the Queen and Prince of Wales, Newcastle Upon the Tyne-length of spoon-4 5/8 in.

On the coronation date of June 26, 1902, Edward VII was hospitalized for an emergency appendectomy. The coronation was postponed until August 9, 1902.

British Queen Alexandra Enameled Silver-Gilt Pill Box
London, 1923

Of cornflower blue enamel, the center set with initials AA at cross angles for Alexandra, Queen Consort of Great Britain (1844-1925) below the British Royal crown-1 1/8 in. diam.

Provenance:
Purchased from Triple Pier Show, New York

British Queen Victoria Jubilee Silver Cigarette Box
by Hunt and Roshell, London, 1887

With patterned sides, the cover inset with a coin of the Sovereign dated 1888, the interior divided into two compartments-3 x 4 ¼ x 1 ½ in.

English George V Silver and Enameled Royal Presentation Cigarette Case
Marked London, 1918, maker's mark F B

Rectangular with rounded corners, of vertical reeded design, with tinder cord compartment, match compartment and strike, the hinged cover applied with blue enameled GRV for George V Rex (King) of Great Britain (r. 1910-1936) below a gold and red enameled British Royal crown, the gilt interior inscribed Presented by King George V to Major General Sir William Peyton on the Occasion of his Majesty's visit to the British Armies in France March 1918-3 3/4 x 2 3/8 in. Together with description of General Sir William Eliot Peyton's military career

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Victorian Silver-gilt Presentation Snuffbox
Marked William Summers, London, 1868 WS N

Rectangular, of shaped outline, applied with a star of the order of the Queen's Own Light Infantry Militia below Royal British crown, in retailer's box with silver plaque engraved with dedication inscription (by Prince Arthur of Britain)

Queen Victoria's favorite son, Prince Arthur William Patrick of Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha (1850-1942) was created Duke of Connaught and Strathearn in 1874. He had a distinguished military career, rising to Field Marshal in 1902, and served as Governor-General of Canada from 1911 to 1916.

Provenance:
Presented by Prince Arthur of Great Britain to the officers of the Queen's Own Light Infantry Militia, 1869.
Purchased at Asprey & Garrard's, London

Edward VII Silver and Enamel Royal Presentation Cigarette Case and Matching Vesta Case
Marked London 1901, maker's mark S & A

Each rectangular case of polished silver with rounded corners, the covers depicting a portrait of Edward VII, King of Great Britain (r. 1901-1910) facing left in full military uniform with decorations in grisaille enamel, on a blue guilloché background framed by the Royal garter and motto below the red enamel Royal crown, the background decorated with white guilloché enamel in a sunburst pattern-3 1/4 x 2 1/2; vesta case of similar design-2 x 1 3/4 in., the latter with suspension ring

Provenance:
Presented by King Edward VII (r. 1901-1911)
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

ERRATUM: This item, previously described as "English", is not British; rather it is foreign-made for the British market.

Italian Royal Enamel Carnet de Bal
1913

The cover enameled with the crowned initials of Victor Emanuel III, King of Italy (r. 1900-1946), within floral garlands on a white guilloché enamel ground, fitted with a pencil and small note pad, the cover entitled Ballo a Corte, 20 Gennaio 1913-2 3/8 in. long

ERRATUM: Signed with an auto-pen

Royal Presentation Silver Cigarette Case Given by King Ferdinand of Bulgaria

Circa 1910, 900 silver, inscribed 787435 with additional hallmark

The polished silver case applied with gold monogram forming a stylized Cyrillic F, for King Ferdinand I of Bulgaria (r. 1908-1918), accented with rose diamonds, below the Bulgarian Royal crown, the match compartment fitted with exterior match strike, attached to a silver ring and tinder cord displaying the Bulgarian national colors of red, green, and white-3 3/4 x 2 5/8 in.

Ferdinand Karl Leopold Maria of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (1861-1948) was elected prince of the autonomous Ottoman principality of Bulgaria in 1887. Benefiting from one of the many Balkan crises of the time, he proclaimed full independence for Bulgaria in 1908, assuming the title of King, or Tsar. King Ferdinand sided with Germany and Austria-Hungary during the First World War and was forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Boris III, upon his Kingdom's military defeat in 1918. He subsequently lived in Coburg.

Provenance:
King Ferdinand of Bulgaria is said to have presented this case to King Farouk of Egypt
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

French Emperor Napoleon III Gold and Diamond Presentation Snuffbox
Retailed by Froment-Meurice, Paris, circa 1855, maker's mark ?LB

Rectangular, the hinged cover decorated with scrolls on a matted ground, the center with initial N for Napoleon III, Emperor of France (r. 1852-1870) set with rose and old mine-cut diamonds below an Imperial diamond-set crown on an oval royal blue guilloché enamel plaque-3 1/2 x 2 1/4, in original red leather fitted case with crowned N

Napoleon III (1808-1873)

The nephew of his illustrious namesake, Napoleon III came to power through the ballot box when elected president of France after King Louis-Philippe was toppled from the throne by the 1848 Revolution. Constitutionally barred from a second term, he seized power in a coup d'état in 1852 and proclaimed himself Emperor. At home Napoleon III's rule improved the lives of the poor and saw Paris modernized under Baron Hausmann, but his adventurous foreign policy led to a disastrous war with Prussia in 1871, which cost him his crown.

Provenance:
Lady Keith Nancy
Christie's, New York

French Napoleonic Silver Portrait Miniature Box
Circa 1880, with French hallmark on base

Oval, inset with individual portrait miniatures of Emperor Napoleon I of France (r. 1804-1814), his wife Empress Marie Louise (1791-1847), and their son, Napoleon II, the King of Rome (1811-1832), enclosed by a repoussé ribbon-tied garland surmounted by a crown, the border set with colored glass cabochons, with engraved sides and a gilt interior-3 5/8 in. wide; 1 1/4 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Lombard Antiquarian Maps & Prints

Kaiser Wilhelm II Rose Gold Royal Presentation Cigarette Case
Circa 1895

The sleek square case of polished rose gold with rounded corners, overall decorated with a pebbled design, the upper left corner inset with diamond initial W for Wilhelm (William) II, Emperor of Germany, King of Prussia (r. 1888-1918) below a sapphire and diamond-set Imperial crown, fitted with cabochon sapphire pushpiece, the interior stamped JOHN WAGNER & SOHN 585, the inscription reads To General F(?) Marshall from His Majesty, the Emperor of Germany, August 1895-3 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.

William II (Kaiser) (1859-1941)

Emperor of Germany and King of Prussia from 1888 through 1918, William eschewed the careful diplomacy that had taken his realm to prominence in European affairs under the "Iron Chancellor" Prince Otto von Bismarck. While William did not seek war, his aggressive policies helped launch the calamitous Great War, which ultimately consumed four Imperial dynasties, including his own.

Provenance:
Given by Kaiser Frederick William Victor Albert of Hohenzollern to Lieutenant General Marshall in 1895.
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

Royal Swedish King Gustav VI Karelian Birchwood Cigar Box
Mid 20th century

Rectangular, of oval section, the hinged cover applied with the silver entwined initials GA for Gustaf VI Adolf, King of Sweden (r. 1950-1973) below Swedish Royal crown-5 7/8 x 3 7/8 x 1 in

Gustav VI Adolf (1882-1973)

King Gustav VI reigned over Sweden from 1950 to 1973. During his years as crown prince, Gustav combined a traditional military career with a less conventional in archeology. He participated in a number of digs in Asia and Europe, and was regarded an authority on Chinese pottery. Shortly before his death, the Riksdag (legislature) stripped the Swedish monarchy of its remaining constitutional powers upon the accession of his heir, King Carl XVI, in 1973.

Royal Presentation Box Made for the Wedding of Princess Victoria and Crown Prince Frederick William
German or English, 1858

Oval, of brown tooled leather displaying the Coats of Arms of the German and British royal families below the German Imperial crown accented in gilt, on a hinge, opening to reveal a silver table medallion with similar decoration, the reverse with a bust of Queen Victoria within a beaded border, inset into a removable navy blue oval silk frame attached to a strut-box-4 3/8 in. wide; medallion-2 1/4 in. diam.

Emperor Frederick III (b. 1831, r. 1888) of Germany married Victoria Adelaide Mary Louisa (1840-1901), Princess Royal of Great Britain and eldest daughter of Queen Victoria, at the Chapel Royal, St. James' Palace on January 25, 1858. The emperor died of cancer after reigning only ninety-nine days and was succeeded by his son, William II.

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Imperial Prussian Silver Seal Box
Late 19th century

Circular, the slip-on cover decorated with the Prussian Eagle clutching orb and scepter, within laurel border containing original wax imperial seal, and tasseled braided cords-6 in. diam.

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Royal Gold and Enameled William II Presentation Triple Pencil
Unmarked, circa 1890

The gold pencil surmounted by a royal crown, each textured tubular segment edged with red, blue, or black enamel in the color of the lead it propels, the center applied with Kaiser Wilhelm's enameled cipher-4 3/8 in. long

Provenance:
Sotheby's, London

Portrait Miniature of George III
Circa 1800

On ivory, George III, King of Great Britain and Ireland (r. 1750-1820), grandfather of Queen Victoria, facing right, wearing a wig and red military uniform, within a paste border, together with a display box-3 ¼ in. including suspension ring

George III (1738-1820)

George III was both the sovereign of Great Britain and Ireland as well as Hanover. His sixty-year reign witnessed two major victorious wars with England's traditional enemy, France, but also the loss of most of its American colonies. In addition to these geopolitical challenges, during the latter decades of his reign George increasingly struggled with the more personal demons of madness probably induced by porphyria. Parliament declared the Prince of Wales regent in 1811.

Provenance:
Purchased from a Private Dealer, Portobello Road, London

Royal Portrait Miniature of Young Queen Victoria
Circa 1840

Of verre églomisé, facing the viewer wearing a gold crown and necklace above an ermine-trimmed robe, on a gold pane, within an oval gilded frame, in original leather case-1 7/8 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from Joseph Topping, Triple Pier Show, New York

Royal Portrait of Edward VII as Prince of Wales
French, circa 1875

Hand-painted photograph depicting the Prince wearing a uniform and medals, mounted on ceramic plaque, the reverse signed Procédé Deroche, 29 Blvd. des Capucines, Paris, 1875, with a gilt bronze frame surmounted by applied Prince of Wales Feathers, ribbons, and foliate garlands in gilt bronze, the interior of frame with painted stylized scrolls and foliage on pale gold background-9 x 6 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Elle Shushan or Augustus Decorative Arts, Ltd.

Royal Portrait of Edward VII as Prince of Wales
Circa 1900

Pastel, showing the Monarch in red full-dress uniform adorned with numerous badges and stars with gray overcoat, within a gilt bronze frame decorated with foliate scrolls surmounted by a crown

Pair of Portrait Miniatures of George V and Queen Mary
Circa 1915

Printed on paper, the monarch wearing full court uniform, the Queen with a diamond tiara, multiple strands of pearls and a pink gown, each within an oval brass frame, with individual miniature brass easels-miniature-2 ½ in. long; easel-5 ¼ in. long

King Edward VII Portrait Miniature
Probably French, circa 1910

The oval miniature painted on ivory depicting Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Emperor of India (r. 1901-1910) in full court regalia wearing ermine mantle and medals, signed Derval, mounted on a green velvet backing accented with a paste border, within a gilt bronze rectangular frame with stiff-leaf border, surmounted by a heraldic crest flanked by laurel leaves-miniature-3 1/4 in. long; frame-10 x 6 1/2 in.


Provenance:
Purchased from Federico Carrera

Rare Regency 18 Karat Gold Bracelet Belonging to the Earl and Countess Grosvenor
English, circa 1820

The front of the cartouche curved outline with entwined raised foliate design in polished gold, applied with a pair of grisailles miniatures on copper, said to be of the Grosvenors, each within seed pearl frames, the reverse containing plaited locks of hair and respective initials RG and TG below glass, attached to a wide gold link mesh bracelet-the front- 2 3/4 in; the bracelet-5 1/4 x 1 in.

Having invested during the early 18th century in property in Mayfair, then an area of dubious repute on London's outskirts, the Grosvenors are one of Britain's wealthiest families. In 1874 Queen Victoria promoted Hugh Lupus Grosvenor from Marques to Duke of Westminster, creating the last non-royal duchy in England. As a result, the Duke of Westminster holds the paradoxical distinctions of being both the richest hereditary peer and last in precedence among Great Britain's ducal houses.

Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

Victorian Portrait Miniature of a Viscount Mounted on a Gold Bracelet
Miniature attributed to Sir William John Neweighton, circa 1840

The center designed as an oval gold locket, the hinged cover engraved with scrolls applied with small turquoise cabochons forming entwined initials below a seven-pointed coronet, with two serpent heads set with turquoises and garnet eyes encircling the top and bottom, the lid opening to reveal a signed portrait miniature on copper of a young Viscount, head and shoulders to the dexter with dark brown hair and side-whiskers, wearing a dark cravat, white waistcoat and black jacket, the miniature and locket attached to a paneled curved bracelet enhanced with engraved patterns and scrolls along the border-miniature including case and serpents-2 1/4 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

English Gold Presentation Bracelet with Miniature
Circa 1850, unmarked

The center designed as an oval gold locket, the cover decorated with entwined double cipher in black enamel below a coronet of a Countess or Baroness, the cover opening to reveal painted miniature of a young boy said to be of Edward VII, Prince of Wales (1841-1910) possibly by Franz Xaver Winterhalter (1806-1873), within a frame of entwined gold ribbons, attached to a thick oval link bracelet in 18k gold-front section-3 in. long; the bracelet-7 1/4 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

Gem-Set Queen Alexandra Royal Presentation Brooch
Early 20th century

Designed as two entwined initials AA for Queen Alexandra (1844-1925), one set with seed pearls, the other with antique-cut faceted diamonds averaging approximately 2 mm, surmounted by a blue enamel ribbon and rose diamond and enamel crown-1 in. wide

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

George V Gold and Gem-Set Royal Presentation Hunting Scarf Pin
English, maker's mark C.P.

A straight pin of 15k gold, the center applied with a circular gold disc inset with the initials G.R. V for George V Rex (King), gem-set with small rubies, sapphires, and diamonds below a crown set with rose diamonds-diam. of plaque-7/8 in. long, the pin-2 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

King George V and Queen Mary Enamel, Diamond, and Gold Royal Presentation Cipher
English, circa 1915

Circular, of openwork design, the center with diamond-set entwined initials GM for George V, King of Great Britain (1910-1936) and his consort, Queen Mary (1867-1953), mounted in platinum-topped gold, surmounted by a red enameled crown with a blue enameled ribbon inscribed HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE (shame to him who thinks evil of it), forming the Most Noble Order of the Garter, Britain's highest order of Chivalry-1 1/4 in. long including crown

Literature:
Philip Ziegler, Mountbatten, The Official Biography (London: Collins, 1985) pp. 34, 101.

Provenance:
Presented by King George V to Princess Alice of Greece (1885-1969). Eldest Child of Prince Louis of Battenburg (cr. Marques of Milford Haven 1917) and Princess Victoria of Hesse-Darmstadt (1863-1950); a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria; elder sister of Louis, Viscount Mountbatten of Burma; mother of the Duke of Edinburgh; and mother-in-law to the Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain.
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Sapphire, Diamond, and Enamel George V Royal Presentation Brooch
English, circa 1913

Circular, of openwork cagework design, the center set with diamond entwined initials GM below the Royal crown of the House of Windsor, within a white enameled frame set with six light blue sapphire collets, each flanked by rose diamonds, in original box stamped Collingwood & Co. To the Royal Family, 46 Conduit Street, London, the front embossed with crowned initials-1 1/4 in. diam.

Provenance:
Given by King George V (r. 1910-1936) and Queen Mary.
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

King George V Portrait Miniature Mounted as a Diamond Brooch
English, circa 1915

Depicting the Monarch in full dress uniform facing forward surrounded by thirty-four circular-cut diamonds weighing approximately 3.04 carats total, mounted in platinum, the reverse set with an oval engine-turned gold plaque applied with the entwined rose gold initials GR V for King George V, below a red enamel and gold crown-1 3/8 in. long, including frame

George V (1865-1936)

A popular monarch, King George V was a reassuring presence during the First World War and the difficult decades that followed. He had begun his career in the Royal Navy, but when his elder brother unexpectedly died in 1892, George began a more rigorous education to prepare for the crown. He took as his wife his late brother's fiancée, Princess Mary of Teck.


Provenance:
Worn by a Court attendant.
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Queen Alexandra Gold Lady-in-Waiting Brooch
Circa 1905

Oval, of openwork design, forming the entwined scrolling initials of Queen Alexandra (1844-1925), within a strapwork frame below a Royal crown-1 1/4 in. wide, in original blue leather Royal presentation fitted box stamped Collingswood & Co. Jewellers To the Royal Family, 46, Conduit Street, London

Queen Alexandra Diamond and Enamel Royal Presentation Stickpin
Circa 1905

Oval, decorated with turquoise guilloché enamel set with the rose diamond crowned initials AA for Queen Alexandra (1844-1925), within a rose-cut diamond border, enhanced with four pearls averaging 2.8 mm, mounted in gold-2 7/8 in. long, in original red leather fitted case stamped Ryan & Co. Jewellers Dublin

Provenance:
Given by Queen Alexandra
Purchased from S.J. Shrubsole, New York

Oval Queen Alexandra Enameled Gold and Diamond Royal Presentation Brooch
English, circa 1905

Of violet guilloché enamel, the center set with entwined rose diamond initials AA at cross angles for Queen Alexandra (1844-1925) below a gold crown within a white enamel and gold frame, with vacant compartment in original red velvet fitted case-1 1/8 in. long

Born Alexandra Caroline Mary Charlotte Louisa Julia, Princess of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg (the reigning house of the Kingdom of Denmark), Princess Alexandra was queen consort of King Edward VII of Great Britain. Her younger sister, Princess Dagmar (Maria Fedorovna), wed the future Emperor Alexander III of Russia.

Provenance:
Purchased from S.J. Shrubsole, New York

Queen Victoria Commemorative Brooch
English, circa 1880, stamped 10ct

Oval, the center with an enameled portrait of Queen Victoria (r. 1837-1901) facing left, eglomise on a red enameled background, the blue enameled oval border forming the Order of the Garter, inscribed in gold HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE, the reverse engraved WAKERY, LONDON, for the portrait photographer on which this image is based-1 7/8 in. long, in original red velvet fitted box stamped R.L. Christie Jeweller & Watchmaker, 17,18,19,20 Bank St. Edinburgh

Provenance:
Purchased from Morning Glory, New York

Queen Victoria Portrait Miniature Mounted as a Gold Bracelet
English, circa 1850

Depicting a young Queen Victoria (r. 1837-1901), her head and shoulders slightly to sinister, dressed à la Grec wearing a neo-classical diadem with upswept hair, pendant earrings, and a gold necklace, her pale blue dress with lace border, on a turquoise background, the miniature watercolor set within a scrollwork gold frame forming a locket attached to an engraved, articulated gold bracelet-miniature within frame-1 3/4 in.; length of bracelet-7 1/2 in. long, in original fitted case

Provenance:
Purchased from Morning Glory, New York

Victorian Diamond, Pearl, and Enameled Gold Royal Presentation Brooch
English, circa 1880

Forming the entwined initials VRI for Victoria, Regina et Imperatrix (Queen and Empress), the RI initials set with rose diamonds, the V set with 24 graduated pearls measuring 1.8 to 4.00 mm, below a red enameled gold rose-cut diamond Royal British crown, mounted in gold-2 1/8 in long

Queen Victoria Gold and Pearl Royal Presentation Bangle Bracelet
English, circa 1885, retailed by Garrard's, London

Designed as a tapered polished gold bangle, the front with oval photograph of the queen, surrounded by eighteen pearls (not tested) averaging approximately 5 mm, the reverse engraved From Victoria, 1885, photograph within pearl frame-1 in. long, in original silk-lined blue velvet box of issue, stamped R. S. Garrard & Co. Goldsmiths & Jewellers to the Crown, 25 Haymarket, London

Victoria (1819-1901)

Great Britain's longest reigning monarch, Queen Victoria gave her name to the era that saw her Kingdom reach the pinnacle of power and prosperity. Indeed, her popularity probably saved the British monarchy from abolition. Born Alexandrine Victoria of Hanover in 1819, she was only 18 when she acceded to the throne in 1837. Queen Victoria took Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha as her consort on 10 February 1840. This marriage, which ended with his death in 1861 at the age of 42, produced nine children through whose marriages many of Europe's royal houses are descended. Victoria was also given the title Empress of India in 1876.

Provenance:
Presented by Victoria, Queen of Great Britain and Empress of India, to Lady Mary Augusta Frederic Grimstone, wife of the 4th Earl of Radnor.
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Edward VII Diamond and Enamel Royal Presentation Stickpin
Circa 1902

Designed as an oval royal blue enamel plaque applied with the gold initial E VII for Edward VII, King of Great Britain and Emperor of India (r. 1901-1910), surrounded by gold laurel leaves and berries enhanced with nine graduated old mine-cut diamonds measuring 2.5 to 4.5 mm, below a Royal British crown, the gold reverse inscribed Presented by his late majesty King Edward VII on the occasion of the performance of " A Cigarette Makers Romance" at Sandringham January 11th, 1902-enameled plaque-7/8 in long; the pin-2 1/4 in. long

Edward VII (1841-1910)

If Queen Victoria saved the British monarchy from possible abolition, her eldest son, Albert Edward of Saxe-Cobourg-Gotha, restored its popularity. An affable monarch and an excellent judge of men, the King was much more outgoing than his mother, who had become somewhat withdrawn upon the death of her consort, Prince Albert. Edward's name was bestowed on an era nostalgically remembered by Britons for its opulence and confidence.

Provenance:
Given by King Edward VII to Mr. Martin Harvey, who with his wife and company performed "The Cigarette Maker's Romance" at Sandringham on the 11th of January, 1902. It was staged in the Ball Room in the presence of the King and Queen, the Prince and Princess of Wales and Princess Victoria, and a number of local dignitaries.
Purchased from Sandra Cronan Ltd., London

Edward VII enameled Gold and Sapphire Royal Presentation Pendant/Brooch
English, circa 1905

Designed as a white enameled openwork star enclosing the entwined initials ER VII for King Edward VII
(r. 1901-1910) set with rose diamonds and small rubies, framed by seven cabochon sapphire collets averaging approx. 3.7 mm, mounted in gold as an adjustable brooch and pendant-1 3/4 in. long

Literature:
Philip Ziegler, Mountbatten, The Official Biography (London: Collins, 1985) pp. 34, 101.

Provenance:
Given by King Edward VII to Princess Alice of Greece (1885-1969), eldest Child of Prince Louis of Battenburg (cr. Marques of Milford Haven 1917) and Princess Victoria of Hesse-Darmstadt (1863-1950); a great granddaughter of Queen Victoria; elder sister of Louis, Viscount Mountbatten of Burma; mother of the Duke of Edinburgh; and mother-in-law to the Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain.
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Rare French Enameled Gold and Diamond Royal Presentation Bracelet
Circa 1850, stamped with eagle head poinçons and Paris lozenge mark

The center segment of cartouche outline decorated with royal blue guilloché enamel in a sunray pattern and an openwork scrolling foliate design, framing a central nine-pointed diamond-set coronet, with additional graduated curved panels of scrollwork decorated with blue enamel and set with eight small diamonds, attached to a intricately engraved gold clasp-approximately 7 in. long.

Said to be from the family of the Comte de Paris, pretender to the throne of France. The last King of the royal house of Bourbon-Orléans, Louis-Philippe, abdicated during the Revolution of 1848. While adopting the title of prince, his heirs style themselves Count of Paris.

Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

Rare Chinese Gold Imperial Necklace
Work of the Symbol of the Empress of China, most likely the Empress Dowager Cixi, circa 1870

Designed as a row of 22 karat gold oval and shaped rectangular plaques, each applied with filigreed three-dimensional phoenixes, attached by a double-link chains, central plaque-1 1/2 in wide; approx length 17 in., in fitted case

Cixi (1835-1908)

A low-ranking concubine to China's Xianfeng Emperor, Cixi (or Tz'u-hsi) bore his only son, who would reign as Tongzhi. From the beginning of Tongzhi's rule as a young boy in 1861, through her own death 47 years later, the Empress Dowager maintained an iron grip on the Qing (Manchu) dynasty. A figure of considerable notoriety, Cixi was one of the most powerful women in Chinese history.

The phoenix (feng-huang) is the second of the four miraculous creatures of Chinese tradition and symbolized the Empress.

Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

German Gold Brooch with Images of Prince William of Prussia and His Wife
Circa 1881

Set within an intricate gold frame enhanced with sapphires, surmounted by a crown with ribbon below a line of small rose-cut diamonds, enclosing the portrait images of Prince Frederick William Victor Albert von Hohenzollern, future Emperor of Germany (r. 1888-1918), and his consort Princess Augusta-Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein-Sondernburg-Augustenburg (1858-1921), with rose gold back, probably commemorating the marriage in 1881 of the Imperial couple-1 1/4 in diam.

Provenance:
Joseph Topping, Triple Pier Show, NY

Fine Franz Josef Miniature Gold Enameled Imperial Collar Formed as a Bracelet
Viennese, circa 1849

Designed as the Grand Cross in white and red enamel, centered on the initials FJ, for Franz-Josef, Emperor of Austria (r. 1848-1916), King of Hungary (r. 1867-1916), the reverse in white enamel with date 1849 in gold, suspended from a gold link bracelet decorated with eleven alternating enameled circular links, these links decorated either with red initials FJ on polished gold, or with gold Habsburg crowns on white ground, enameled on both sides, attached at one end to a gold replica of the star of the order with suspension hook, the reverse engraved VIRIBUS UNITIS (by joint effort), the other end with oval link chain-8 1/4 in long, in original fitted gray leather presentation box stamped C.F. ROTHE K.K. HOF u. KAMMER-JUWELIER, KOHLMARKT I WIEN

Franz Josef (1830-1916)

One of Europe's longest reigning monarchs, Franz-Joseph was Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, and King of Bohemia from 1848 to 1916. His lengthy rule was marked by tragedy, including a loveless marriage, the suicide and murder of two heirs, and the empire's entry into a disastrous war. His dynasty, the House of Habsburg, survived his death by two years and was replaced by a republic at the end of the First World War, in 1918.

Provenance:
Probably made to commemorate the Coronation of Emperor Franz-Joseph of Austria.
Purchased from Bathgate Ltd., London

Kaiser William Commemorative Silver Bracelet with Portrait Miniatures
German, stamped 800

Designed as a silver bracelet with separate images of the Emperor and his six sons, each within oval frames, the central link depicting William II, Emperor of Germany (r. 1888-1918) within a silver frame of laurel leaves below the Imperial Hohenzollern crown, flanked on each side by three smaller miniatures, to his right, of Princes William, Frederick and Albert, and to his left, Princes August William, Oscar and Joachim, each attached to a silver link back chain-7 1/2 in. long

Framed Lock Said to Be of Napoleon's Hair

An oval pendant locket covered with glass on both sides, enclosing a lock of hair encircling the initial N for Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France, King of Italy (r. 1804-14), above a French Imperial Eagle, the frame suspended from an Arts & Crafts style brass openwork stand-the locket- 2 in. high; the stand- 7 ¼ in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

William A. Mac Donald (British, 1861-1948)
Coronation of George V, King of Britain, June 22, 1911
Oil on board, signed W.A.M. and dated L/R
13 x 9 ½ in.- framed

Provenance:
Purchased from David Broker Fine Art, CT

Seymour Lucas (British, 1890-20th Century)
Portrait of Edward VIII, Prince of Wales
Lithograph, signed and dated in the stone
And inscribed Edward P and 1911
22 ½ x 18 in.- framed

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Embroidered Military Insignia of King William IV

A military embroidered insignia of William IV, King of Britain (r. 1830-1837) worked in gold threads on velvet, framed in mahogany shadowbox, 9 x 9 x 2 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Forsyth's, Nashville, TN

Fragment of a Piece of the Royal Standard from King William IV's Yacht, The Royal Adelaide
Circa 1830

Circular, with a period gilded frame, with Royal Coat of Arms, quartered with central shield embroidered on silk, the reverse of frame with label Dimensions of His Majesty's Yacht, the Royal Adelaide-8 1/2 in. long including frame

William IV (1765-1837)

King George III's third son, William Henry of Hanover, entered the Royal Navy as a youth and saw service during the American Revolution and in the West Indies. He was equally active onshore, producing no less than ten illegitimate children by one Irish actress alone before taking the hand of Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen, after whom he named his yacht. The "Sailor King" reigned from 1830 to 1837. He did not produce any (legitimate) male heirs and was succeeded by his niece, Princess Victoria.

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

British George IV Windsor Castle Oak and Silver Box
Circa 1825

An oak hinged cigar box, the cover carved with a ribbon-tied laurel garland enclosing the inscription on silver The Old Oak of Windsor Castle Built by Edward IV and Restored by George IV, J. B. -6 ¼ in. wide

George IV (1762-1830)

King George IV succeeded his father, George III in 1820, although he had already ruled as regent for nine years because of the latter's insanity. Even by the standards of the day, the future king enjoyed a dissolute youth, having been, as he put it himself, "rather too fond of women and wine." He maintained his indulgent ways into adulthood; in 1827, his corset had a waist of 50 inches. An enthusiastic patron of the arts and architecture, George commissioned, among others, the Royal Pavilion at Brighton Beach, an extravagant Orientalist fantasy.

George IV Mahogany Sugar Crusher with Provenance Note

The turned handle with a flat base, attached to two period labels of provenance-5 ¾ in. long

Provenance:
Apparently given by George IV, King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (r. 1820-1830), to Dr. Christopher Adcock and by him to his son, Mr. Frank Adcock
Purchased from Joseph Topping, Triple Pier Show, New York

British Queen Anne Leather Fan Box
Early 18th century

The reddish-brown morocco case of oval section in two parts, the top displaying the crowned monogram of Anne, Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland (r. 1702-1714), second daughter of James Duke of York, the edges enhanced with gilded foliage fretwork and beading-9 ¼ in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from Forsyth's, Nashville, TN

A Coronation Commemorative of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
Circa 1901

A shadowbox containing the painted full-length bisque figures of Edward and Alexandra, King and Queen of Britain (r. 1901-1910) hands united, overall, 27 x 19 x 4 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Gray's Market, London

English George VI Coronation Brass Lantern Clock
1937

In the Old German style with French decorative elements, the dial decorated with the English coat of arms in enamel, flanked by the initials GVI and R, for George VI, Rex, commemorating the coronation of George VI, King of Great Britain (r. 1936-52), the bell in the form of the British Royal crown with a gilt movement, a platform lever escapement, single strike on the hour, signed Made in England-11 ½ in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

British George V Copper Coronation Parade Torch
Circa 1910

A tapered copper torch with leather strap and rivets, the center with coronation inscription, attached to a wooden baluster handle-18 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

British George V and Queen Mary Jubilee Panorama
1935

Designed as a cylindrical case on a flat base containing a panoramic scroll which unfurls to display a royal cortège advancing before Buckingham Palace, captioned: Captain's Escort of Royal Horse Guards, the Duke and Duchess of York, Princess Elizabeth, Princess Margaret Rose of York, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Escort of Royal Horse Guards, the exterior depicting in the round the British Royal Family and its entourage, below the inscription Panorama of the Silver Jubilee, with the crowned initials G.R. and M.R. 1935 in Latin numerals-7 ½ in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Lyme Regis, New York

Queen Victoria Jubilee Needlepoint Bag with Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom
1887

For the Golden Jubilee, in the form of a shield embroidered in bright colors against a burgundy ground within black beaded borders, attached to an oval link chain-the bag- 9 in. long

Pair of Queen Victoria Jubilee Brass-Mounted Bellows
1887

Made to honor Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, one side decorated with a repoussé portrait bust of the British Queen, the border with dedication inscription-15 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Ceremonial Spade
1897

With oak handle mounted on a silver-plated brass spade with dedication inscription, dated June 22nd, 1897, the handle and border decorated with oak leaves-36 in. long

Provenance:
Purchased at James Robinson, New York

Victorian Bronze Doré Inkwell in the Form of the English Royal Crown to Commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee
English, circa 1897

The circular hinged inkwell opening to reveal a round rock crystal ormolu mounted ink jar, the hinged cover with initials VR for Victoria Regina, with original red velvet contained inside crown-the inkjar-2 1/2 in. diam.; the crown- 6 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Copley South Antiques

Three British Commemorative Figural Pipes

One of burlwood carved with the head of King Edward VII (r. 1901-1910)-6 ½ in.; and a pair of miniature meerchaum pipes of King George V (r. 1910-1936) and Queen Mary-2 ¼ and 3 in. respectively

Edward VII, Prince of Wales, Personal Ink Blotter
1900

The red velvet folder, having gold and silver embroidered trim in the Vienna Secessionist style incorporating the Prince of Wales Feathered emblem and the year 1900, 12 1/4 x 15 1/2 in.
1900 was a propitious year for Edward when he was the victim of an attempted assassination over the Boer War. The following year, he became King at the death of Queen Victoria (r. 1901-1910).

Book Signed by Queen Victoria, Given as a Gift for Christmas, 1851

Hardbound book entitled Tales From Cat Land, by an Old Tabby, signed by Victoria, Queen of England (r. 1837-1901), as a Christmas present to her dresser Skirrete, dated December 24, 1851, with illustrations by Harrison Weir, published by Grant and Griffith, London, 1851, with green leatherette embossed cover with gilt tooling, 7 x 5 in.

Book Signed by Queen Victoria

Leatherbound book entitled Leaves From The Journal of Our Lives, signed on the frontispiece by Victoria, Queen of England, (r. 1837-1901), to the Hon. William Grey, edited by Arthur Helps, published by Smith, Elder & Co, London, with green leatherette binding with gold tooling, 8 ½ x 6 x 2 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Argosy Books, New York

Three Musical Scores from the Library of Alexandra, Queen Consort of Britain

Red leatherette musical scores from the Royal library, having Queen Alexandra Royal seals, comprising Mignon, by A. Thomas; Hamlet by A. Thomas, and Les Diamantes de la Couronne, by Auber, 11 x 8 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

Book Signed by Edward, Duke of Windsor (r. 1936)

Red leatherbound book entitled A King's Story, signed by Edward, Duke of Windsor, ghostwritten for the Duke, 1951, published by G.P. Putnam, New York, from an edition limited to 385 copies, red Moroccan leather binding with gilt tooling, 10 x 7 x 3 in.

Provenance:
Purchased at Argosy Books, New York

Admissions Certificate to the Coronation of King George V

For the coronation of George V, King of Great Britain (r. 1910-1936), at Westminster Abbey, in 1911, with Royal embossed seal, in colors, framed, 14 x 15 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Original Concert Program Pages for Queen Victoria

Two printed concert listings from Buckingham Palace, June 23, 1871, and July 5, 1866- the date of her daughter Princess Helena's marriage at Windsor Castle, on doily paper stock, both individually framed, 14 x 12 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

A Pair of Handwritten Menus from Queen Victoria (r. 1837-1901)

One from Buckingham Palace, dated March 13, 1890, the other from Osborne, dated January 2, 1896, on Royal paper stock, for Her Majesty, framed, 10 ½ x 7 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Original Sheets from the Wedding Announcement of Princess Helena, Daughter of Queen Victoria

Printed frontispiece and page from Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Helena's wedding announcement on doily paper, in Windsor Castle, July 5, 1866, framed together 14 x 21 ½ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Set of Thirteen Victorian Royal Wax Seals
Circa 1880

The red seals displayed in shadowbox frame of birdseye maple, depicting Holland, Siam (2), Italy, Mexico, France (2), Portugal, The Netherlands, Spain, Württemberg, Austria, and Brazil, 16 x 13 ½ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from a Private Dealer, Litchfield, CT

Pair of Imperial Austro-Hungarian Painted Wax Figures
Circa 1790

Colorfully painted in enamels, depicting an imperial couple on horseback, with Imperial Austro-Hungarian emblems, framed together, 13 x 21 in.

Provenance:
Purchased at the Triple Pier Show, New York

Austro-Hungarian Ink Blotter Belonging to Archduke Karl Ludwig Joseph Maria of Austria
Circa 1890

Rectangular, green velvet exterior, beige silk interior, the cover applied with enameled Coat of Arms, mantle and crown, the corners applied with Art Nouveau green pink and white floral decoration-16 x 12 1/4 in.

Archduke Karl Ludwig Joseph Maria von Habsburg-Lotharingen (1833-1896) was the brother of Franz-Joseph, Emperor of Austria (r. 1848-1916). The assassination of Franz-Josef's son, Archduke Franz-Ferdinand, in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914 eventually led to the outbreak of World War I.

Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

Fine Austro-Hungarian Franz Josef Portfolio Containing Patent of Nobility for Henrich Ritter von Lebzeltern with Attached Seal

Franz Joseph I, Emperor of Austria (1830-1916) Patent of Nobility and Grant of Arms, the covers of red velvet, each side embossed with the Austro-Hungarian double-headed eagle with ribbon ties, containing seven documents in German, some double sided, one with hand painted coat of arms, one signed, the spine attached to the seal box by a cord-Portfolio- 15 in. long; the seal box-4 5/8 in. diam.

Provenance:
Purchased from Triple Pier Show, New York

Royal Frederick the Great Brass Commemorative Tobacco Box
By I.H. Giese, Iserlohn, Germany, mid 18th century

Oblong, the hinged cover embossed with the half length figure of Frederick, King of Prussia (r. 1740-1786) turned to the left, his head facing the viewer with Latin inscriptions and a Royal Prussian eagle, the entwined initials FR for Frederick Rex above with crown and further Latin inscription, the reverse depicting numerous victories including Leipzig, Friedberg, Neiss, and Colberg, each within oval medallions depicting armies in battle, further enhanced with the Prussian Eagle above the crowned insignia of the King-6 3/8 x 2 x 1 1/4 in.

Frederick II ("The Great") (1712-1786)

Prussia's most celebrated monarch, Frederick was declared King of Prussia at the age of 28. A Francophile and a correspondent of Voltaire, he tried to style himself as the ideal Enlightened monarch, modeling his court at Sans-Souci on Louis XIV's Versailles. Frederick most important legacy, however, was military. His territorial ambitions resulted in a lengthy struggle with Austria. While he succeeded in wresting the wealthy province of Silesia from the Habsburgs, the King's aggression resulted in the Seven Years War. Defeat by Russia was barely averted when Empress Elizabeth was succeeded by her Prussophile son, Peter III. Nevertheless, Frederick was instrumental in raising Prussia to great power status.

Provenance:
Purchased from Suchow & Siegel

Imperial Austro-Hungarian Enameled, Silver-Plated, and Mahogany Ceremonial Staff
Circa 1900, by Wurtembergisches Metallwaren Fabrik, marked: WMF, Alpacca, O, Z g

The orb-shaped finial with crowned eagle surmount, on a wooden staff with silver-plated tip and hand mount, 58 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from The Armoury of St. James, London

Minton George VI Porcelain Coronation Loving Cup
1937

Cylindrical, commemorating the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth , inscribed Crowned in Westminster Abbey, May 12, 1937, the reverse with the Royal Coat of Arms, the interior of lip inscribed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, with gilded lion handles-4 ½ in. high

Paragon Queen Elizabeth II Porcelain Coronation Loving Cup
1953

Cylindrical, one side decorated with the Royal Coat of Arms above the inscription Dieu et Mon Droit, the reverse with the crowned initials ER II, H.M. Queen Elizabeth Coronation, June 2nd 1953, each within a gilded frame of oak leaves on a burgundy ground decorated with a lattice of fleur de lis and rosettes, with gilded scroll handles-4 ¼ in. high

Minton George VI and Queen Elizabeth Porcelain Royal Visit Cup
1939

Cylindrical, a loving cup commemorating the King and Queen's visit to Canada and the United States in 1939, one side decorated with the British Royal crown within a wreath and flags of the commonwealths, the reverse with the Royal Coat of Arms, the interior of lip inscribed King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, with gilded lion handles-5 ¾ in. high

Large British Royal Doulton George V and Queen Mary Silver Jubilee Loving Cup
1935

One side of the two-handled cup depicting the royal couple below the words Happy and Glorious surrounded by various flags and shields amidst tolling bells, lions passants, jubilant onlookers, and trumpeters, the reverse featuring a knight on horseback, the handles and border decorated with ribbon entwined laurel leaves, number 752 out of 1,000 made, sold together with the original Royal Doulton Certificate with seal, -10 in. high

Copeland Spode Queen Victoria Porcelain Commemorative Boer War Three-handled Loving Cup
1899

Cylindrical, one side with the profile bust of Queen Victoria, inscribed Victoria Queen and Empress, Comforter of the Afflicted, surrounded by the Union Jack and flags and seals of the above the motto Equal Rights for All, another side decorated with the portraits of the Commander in Chief, Field Marshall Lord Roberts, and the Prime Minister, The Marquis of Salisbury, the third side with a full length figure of Britannia being welcomed by a kneeling South African farmer and the inscription Britannia Tower of Justice, Defender of the Oppressed, the interior of cup around the border decorated with further names on ribbons, on a gilded base-5 ½ in. high

British Ceramic Coronation Figure of George VI
Circa 1936

The full-length figure of George VI, King of Great Britain (1936-1952) in ermine-trimmed coronation robes, wearing the order of the garter and holding the royal crown, a globe with the British Empire designated in red on his right side-8 in. high

Staffordshire George V Ceramic Toby Mug
by Sir Francis Carruthers Gould, Wilkinson, circa 1915

A WWI period character jug of George V, King of England in full naval dress uniform, the sides displaying the Union Jack and the British Royal Coat of Arms, the arm rests in the form of gilded lion heads, a globe on his lap, on a plinth inscribed Pro Patria, signed FCG -12 in. high

Biscuit Figure of Edward, Prince of Wales
Circa 1922

After Bryant Baker, the smiling full-length figure wearing tails and a top hat and sporting a tortoiseshell cane, standing on a square pedestal, the front inscribed "Our Prince"-10 ¼ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Edward VIII Crystal Coronation Covered Compote

In clear crystal, the circular bowl with scroll handles, a baluster stem on a square plinth, the bowl etched on one side:
Birth June 23rd 1894
By Earth, Sea or Air
Our King Leads the Way
As Friend of His People
They Crown Him Today

And on the other:
Accession January 20, 1936
The Coronation of Edward VIII
King Emperor
May 12, 1937

On a base etched on each side For England Or Scotland, For Ireland Or Wales, the domed cover etched with the crowns and names of the eight previous British monarchs named Edward beginning with Edward I 272 and ending with Edward VII 1901-11 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Antiquaires du Louvre, Paris

Queen Victoria Royal Worcester Ceramic Commemorative Scent Flask
Circa 1840

Circular, depicting the profile of the Sovereign facing left on golden background below laurel band, the silvered metal stopper in the form a Royal British crown, the reverse with rose and thistles and shamrocks, the sides decorated with raised flowers-3 in. long

Pair of Royal Minton Bone China Candlesticks
Commemorating Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II
1977, with maker's stamp on base and inscribed 1952 The Queen's Silver Jubilee 1977, no. 76 of a limited edition of 250

Designed as "Beasts," symbolizing the ancient chivalrous ancestry of the British crown (see lot no. 36192), comprising a White Horse and a Gilt Lion, each rearing on hind legs, the front of Horse with Royal seal, the Lion with red and blue quartered shield, each on spreading white circular base enhanced with royal emblems including fleurs de lis, crown, and Maltese cross with bands of red and gilt-6 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

The Queen's Beast: A Series of Ten Bone China Figural Ornaments
By Minton China Works, Stoke on Trent, 1955

Each symbolizing the ancient chivalrous ancestry of the British crown, made from the original model of the Queen's vase designed in 1954 by Mr. James Woodford to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2nd 1953, the production of these individual figures issued in 1955 was limited to six months:

The White Lion of Mortimer, in silver holding blue and mulberry red shield of livery of the House of York

The Lions of England, gold wearing a royal crown and bearing shield showing Royal crown of the U.K.

The Unicorn of Scotland, white with hoofs, horn mane, and tufts in gold, shield bears Royal Arms of Former Scottish Kings

The White Horse of Hanover white, bears shield of Royal Arms of the U.K.

The White Greyhound of Richmond, red collar with shield of Tudor livery in white and green

The Red Dragon of Wales, red with yellow underside, shield associated with shield.

The Yale of Beaufort, a silver goat with golden spots with divided white and blue shield bearing crowned portcullis

The Falcon of the Plantagenets, silver with outspread wings, golden legs and beak, shield with livery colors of the House of York

The Black Bull of Clarence, golden hoofs and horns holding shield of Royal arms as borne by English Sovereigns (1405-1603)

The Griffin of Edward III, gold, bears shield of present royal livery colors, red and gold with Round Tower of Windsor Castle

Each with royal Minton stamp on base and name of figure, on white bases-6 in. high, in original fitted box stamped The Queen's Beasts, Minton ltd., with royal warrant.
The original purchase price for one figure (boxed) was 17 pounds 10 shillings or for a complete set of ten, 175 pounds, a considerable sum in 1955.


Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Pair of Copeland Spode George V Ceramic Coronation Bottles
1911

One of cobalt blue, the other moss green, each bearing the Royal couples portraits on royal banners below the Royal crown, below the inscription Coronation of King George V & Queen Mary, June 22nd 1911, the reverse signed Andrew Usber & Co. Distillers Edinburgh above with the Royal coat of arms, the stoppers in the form of the Royal crown-9 ½ in. high

Minton Bone China Elizabeth II Covered Box in the Form of an Orb
1953

Of teal blue porcelain decorated with royal emblems, stars below a crown finial, on a spreading gilded base, with central commemorative inscription: To Commemorate the Crowning of Queen Elizabeth The Second, June 2, 1953, the base stamped "Limited Issue of 50 of which this is No 8." with makers mark and designer's signature-5 in. diam.

British George VI and Queen Elizabeth Cup Commemorating Their Visit to the United States
1939

Of ovoid form, one side displaying the American National Eagle, the reverse with a royal portrait of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, amidst gilded stars below gilded border decorated with the American eagle alternating with the British Royal crown, on a columnar base encircled by white eagles with splayed wings, on a spreading base, with two lion masks handles-8 in. high

Copeland Edward VII Ceramic Coronation Two-handled Cup
1910

Of flared design on a spreading base, featuring the royal portrait bust of King Edward VII, below the inscription Edward VII King and Emperor, Accession January 22, 1901, Born November 9th 1841, died May 6th 1910, amidst various other proclamation inscriptions, the reverse with an image of Peace enthroned flanked by flags, the flared lip with interior inscriptions on ribbons, with gilded border and foliate handles-6 ¾ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Gem Antiques, New York

Paragon Queen Elizabeth II Ceramic Coronation Loving Cup
1953

Cylindrical, one side with the crowned initials ER II, below the Royal crown and above the coronation date, further inscribed both in Latin and Crowned in Westminster Abbey, June 2nd 1953 on the other, the reverse with the Royal Coat of Arms above the inscription Dieu et mon Droit, the interior of lip inscribed Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II, with gilded lion handles-4 ½ in. high

Crown Devon Fieldings Edward VIII Ceramic Abdication Mug
1936

One side depicting the portrait of Edward VIII below the Royal crown, surrounded by flags of the commonwealth and the Union Jack, the reverse with crown and inscription Long May He Reign above the lyrics for the National Athem, and the abdication date of December 10th 1936, the spreading base with floral garland, the handle decorated with oak leaves and flowerheads-6 ¼ in. high

Royal Doulton Edward VIII Ceramic Loving Cup
1936

One side depicting the profile bust of the monarch in full court dress under the motto God Save the King, surrounded by flags of the commonwealth and the Union Jack, the reverse depicting Edward flanked by the Prince of Wales Feathers above the dates 1911-1936, and the inscription I am still that same man, the border inscribed with the names of the commonwealth countries and Edward RI, Our Prince-6 in. high

Sèvres Bisque Porcelain Nicholas and Alexandra Medallion Commemorating their Visit to the Factory
French, circa 1896

Of white porcelain, depicting the Imperial couple facing right, he in military uniform, she wearing a kokoshnik, inscribed NICHOLAS II and ALEXANDRA, the reverse inscribed LL MM L'EMPEREUR ET L'EMPERATRICE DE RUSSIE VISITENT LA MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SEVRES, 8 OCTOBRE 1896-3 1/2 in. diam. in original red leather box, the top embossed MANUFACTURE NATIONALE DE SEVRES and dated

Provenance:
Purchased from St. Petersburg Shop, Paris

Small German Bisque Porcelain Bust of Queen Victoria
Late 19th century

For Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, the reverse signed signed R. Belt, Sc, 1897, made in Germany, mounted on a circular mahogany plinth-6 ¼ in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Berlin KPM Kaiser Wilhelm II Ceramic Mug
Circa 1900

Depicting the bust of Wilhelm II, Emperor of Germany, King of Prussia (r. 1888-1918), within a gilded laurel wreath, further enhanced with bands of oak and laurel leaves, with a scrolling gilded handle, on three lion paw feet-5 ¼ in. high including handle

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

A Porcelain Box in the Form of Franz Joseph
Circa 1910

A figural box of the full-bearded Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria (r. 1848-1916), King of Hungary (r. 1867-1916) enthroned, wearing ermine robe with imperial collar and crown, orb, and scepter-5 ½ in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from A la Vieille Russie

Signed Document from King William IV

The document on parchment, signed by William IV, King of Great Britain, (r. 1830-1837), dated September 25, 1834, to Anne of London, as a certificate of Registry, with Royal emblems, framed together with a lithograph of the Monarch, 16 x 25 in.

School Exercise Book of Prince George, Future King of Great Britain

The primer with marbelized cover with six pages of English dictation in the hand of the future King George V (r. 1910-1936), as a boy in 1878, and including 13 manuscript pages in another hand regarding the West Indies, 9 x 7 in.

Original Handwritten Personal Letter from Edward VIII and George VI

Prescient note from the two brothers and future Kings of England, (r. 1936- abdication and r. 1936-1852), Written letter signed by both as children, dated December 27, 1902, on York Cottage, Norfolk stationery, reading "Many thanks for your kind present", framed, 6 ½ x 4 ½ in.

Signed Document from Queen Victoria

The document signed by Victoria, Queen of Great Britain (r. 1837-1901) and signed by the Duke of Albany, regarding the monarch's appointment as Colonel to the Land Forces, framed together with a hand colored engraving of the Queen, 21 x 32 in.

Queen Victoria Letter and Envelope with Royal Seal

A letter addressed to Ferdinand II, King of the Two Sicilies (r. 1830-1859), announcing the death of her uncle, the Duke of Cambridge, youngest son of King George III, below a photograph of Queen Victoria, the letter dated July 17, 1850 and signed Sir my Brother, your Majesty & Good Sister Victoria.., framed; the envelope inscribed To My Good Brother, The King of the Kingdom of the two Sicilies, the reverse with royal wax seal, framed-The letter-8 ½ x 6 ¾; frame-18 ½ x 12 ¾; the envelope- 4 ½ x 3 ¾; frame-10 5/8 x 10 in.

A Written and Signed Postcard from Edward VIII, Prince of Wales, as a boy

The card depicting Windsor Castle, by the Monarch as a child, dated April 13, 1907, to Madame Bricka, thanking her for her previous correspondence, framed together with a photograph of Edward as a boy, 10 ½ x 15 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Altman's, New York

Large Christmas Card from King George V

1930 Christmas card, oversize, signed by George V, King of Great Britain (r. 1910-1936) and dated in blue crayon, with a reproduction of the "Loyal London"- one of Charles II's sailing ships, on folded ivory cardstock, with navy grosgrain ribbon, 14 x 10 in.

Christmas Card Signed by Elizabeth II
Circa 1952

Elizabeth, Queen of England (r. 1952- ), printed from a photograph by Cecil Beaton, signed, framed, 11 ½ x 7 in.

A Christmas Card Signed by Elizabeth II and Prince Philip

Christmas card for 1970, signed by the Queen of England (r. 1952- ), and her husband Prince Philip, and framed with a printed photograph of the couple, 18 x 14 in.

Provenance:
Kenneth Rendell Gallery, New York

Prussian Frederick the Great Military Document with Seal
1778

Intact, signed, framed with contemporary engraving, document-13 x 8 in.; frame-13 x 26 in.

Provenance:
Purchased at Argosy Books, New York

Signed Note from Frederick William, Crown Prince of Germany and Prussia

Attractively framed note signed by the Monarch, dated February 1885, Berlin, and a card depicting Frederick III (r. 9 March-15 June 1888), by Linde and Scheurich, Berlin, circa 1880, 6 ½ x 4 ¼ in., framed together, 24 x 15 in.

Signed Photogravure of Emperor William II

Printed photograph of Kaiser William, Emperor of Germany, (r. 1888-1918) by Reichard & Lindner, Berlin, signed by the monarch, and inscribed Lisbon, March 30, 1905, in a satinwood trimmed walnut frame with metal bosses at corners, 11 ½ x 8 ½ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Original Coronation Photograph of Queen Alexandra
Circa 1910

The sepia toned photograph of Alexandra, Queen Consort of Britain, Wife of Edward VII, mounted on cardstock and inscribed Alexandra, 16 x 12 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Maggs Bros., London

Original Presentation Photograph of Alexandra, Queen Consort of Britain

A photograph of the Royal family, at Bernstorff, dated October 1902, in Royal yellow silk presentation cover, 7 x 10 in.

Original Photograph of Queen Victoria

Sepia toned photograph of Victoria, Queen of England (r. 1837-1901), inscribed and dated 1885, in a parquetry-trimmed mahogany shadowbox frame, 12 x 10 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Joseph Topping, Triple Pier Show, New York

King Edward VII Repoussé Commemorative Copper Frame
English, circa 1901

Enclosing photographic postcard signed Russell & Sons Photographers to the Royal Family depicting the Monarch facing left in 3/4 profile, the image set to the right of the frame below the Royal crown, a lion rampant to the left with entwined ribbon and Latin motto, a fluted column to the right, the decoration raised and repoussé from the back with border on the top and bottom, possibly made to commemorate the King's Coronation in 1901-10 x 7 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Pair of Royal Presentation Silver Frames with Signed Photographs of the Duke and Duchess of Connaught
Early 20th century

The Duke (son of Queen Victoria) shown 3/4 length wearing military uniform orders, sash, cords (riding boots) holding a document, signed Arthur 1914, the Duchess in formal court gown wearing ermine robe, diamond tiara and holding royal crown, her arm resting on the back of a chair, signed Louise Margaret 1914, each with silver reed-and-tie bordered frame surmounted by the respective crowned initials AW and LM-Photo of Duchess-7 3/4 x 4 1/2 in.; the Duke-11 x 6 in.; each frame-12 3/4 x 7 1/2 in.

Prince Arthur married Princess Louise Margaret (1860-1917), daughter of Prince Frederick of Prussia, in 1879.

Royal Presentation King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Silver-Gilt Photograph Frame
Marked Turner & Simpson Ltd. Birmingham, 1939

The silver rectangular frame applied with gold crown enclosing original photograph of the George VI, King of Great Britain (r. 1936-1952) wearing army uniform, strolling with his consort, Queen Elizabeth (1900-2002) who is wearing a light colored dress and overcoat signed George R. I. and Elizabeth R above the date 1941-8 x 6 1/4 in.; the frame 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 in.

Original Photograph of Queen Mary and Princess Elizabeth

A rare photograph of Mary, Queen of England, with her granddaughter, Crown Princess Elizabeth, as a child, by A.A. Hughes, inscribed with their names, and dated April 1927, 6 ½ x 4 ½ in., framed in Royal gilt wood presentation frame, 12 ½ x 9 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Maggs Bros., London

Pair of Photogravures of King George V and Queen Mary

Attractive pair of Royal photogravures, signed by George V (r. 1910-1936) and Mary, King and Queen of England, and dated 1920, engraving by W & D Downey, England, mounted on cardstock with Royal emblem, in red leather presentation frames, also with Royal emblems, 15 x 10 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Sheldon Shapiro, London

Pair of Engravings of King George V and Queen Mary

by Downey, England, inscribed George R.I. and Mary R., Waverley Abbey, July 1st, 1916, framed, 22 x 20 in. each

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Signed Photogravure of Edward, Prince of Wales
The frame marked Sterling, #420

Printed photogravure, signed by the future monarch and dated 1919, in silver presentation frame with Royal Prince of Wales Feathers, having cornflower blue grosgrain ribbon trim, 10 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased at Argosy Books, New York

Signed Photograph of Prince Edward, as a Boy
Edward of York, Prince of Wales, (r. 1936, abdicated), seaside portrait photograph of the Prince in a bathing costume and holding a towel, signed David, and dated July 1, 1908, with inscription "You never knew about me, I never knew about you. Waiting!!!" 5 ½ x 3 in. (1/2 inch at top folded over), framed, together with a small cropped photograph of Edward wearing a sailor's suit, inscribed Baby David, framed.
.
The Prince often used David, one of his four first names; the others being George, Andrew, and Patrick. For most of his life, Edward was known to his family and close friends, by his first name, David.

Literature:
"Letters from a Prince," edited by Rupert Godfrey, (1998), London. Illustrated p. 124, Waiting photo; and p. 277, Baby photo.

Provenance:
Freda Dudley Ward, his mistress
Purchased from Maggs Bros., London

Original Photograph of Edward, Prince of Wales

Full length photograph in uniform, signed by Edward and dated 1921, in leather presentation frame with the seal of the 10th division of Royal Hussars, framed, 15 x 10 ½ in.

English Silver-mounted Royal Traveling Frame
Marked by the Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Co., London 1926, date letter R

Rectangular portfolio of red morocco, the center applied with silver Prince of Wales Triple Feathers and tooled inside with the Order of the Garter cartouche with Latin motto enclosing monogram E for Edward, Prince of Wales, with silver-mounted corners-10 1/8 x 7 1/2 in. Photo pictured is not original.

Edward VIII (1894-1972)

Born Edward Albert Christian George Andrew Patrick David of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Edward VIII reigned as King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and Emperor of India for less than a year, from 20 January to 10 December 1936. He abdicated the throne to marry an American divorcée, Wallis Warfield Simpson, and was styled the Duke of Windsor by his successor, King George VI, in 1937.

Provenance:
Edward, Prince of Wales.
Purchased from Marks Antiques, London

Framed Photograph of Princess Diana with Signature
Circa 1996

Depicting Diana in a cream colored pearl-encrusted gown, wearing a pearl and diamond tiara and pendant earrings, a separate card with Royal crown signed Diana-framed, photo-3 5/8 x 2 ¾ in.; card: 2 x 3 in.; frame: 11 x 7 ½ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Three Letters Written by Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Henry to Ken Wharfe, Inspector of Police at Kensington Palace

The letters thank him for organizing a private visit to Alton Towers amusement park in 1990, each with original envelopes, Princess Diana's and Prince William's letter on Kensington Palace stationary with crowned insignia D for Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), dated October 24, 1990, the latter decorated with red happy faces on the card and envelope, Prince Henry's letter depicting a policeman with his cat, in pencil: Dear Ken and all the Policemen Thank you for a wonderful day. I loved the Bob sleigh best Love Harry-largest measuring 4x6 in.Prince Henry commonly known as Harry.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Princess Diana Presentation Frame with Signed Original Photograph of Princess Diana, Prince William, and Prince Henry
Signed and dated Diana 1990

Princess Diana sits with young Prince Henry on her knee while a laughing Prince William stands behind, his arms around Diana, within a textured black rectangular frame with domed top embossed with crowned insignia D for Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), in gold-the frame 7 1/2 x 5 3/8 in.; photograph-4 x 3 in.

Provenance:
Commissioned by Princess Diana as a presentation gift.
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Signed Document from Diana, Princess of Wales

The signed agenda page from and in the hand of Diana Princess of Wales (1961-1997), on her personal stationery, together with a photograph of Princess Diana and her sons, Prince William and Prince Henry-19 x 13 in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Prince of Wales Presentation Frame with Signed Original Photograph of Prince Charles and Princess Diana
Signed Diana 1990 Charles

Showing the Prince and Princess of Wales standing together, her arm linked around his, within a textured green rectangular frame, the domed top embossed with Prince of Wales Feathers in gold-the frame- 9 1/2 x 7 in. ; photograph-5 x 4 in.

Provenance:
Commissioned by the Prince and Princess of Wales as a presentation gift
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Signed Letter and Envelope from Princess Diana to Her Grandmother

The envelope and letter handwritten on Royal Balmoral Castle stationery by Diana, Princess of Wales, addressed to Ruth Lady Fermot DCVO (Dame Commander of the Royal Victorian Order), regarding their visit and Diana's longing to be reunited with her husband Prince Charles, dated September 3, 1981, framed together with a printed photograph of Diana and the reverse with a Polaroid of the couple Charles and Diana-26 ¼ x 14 ½ in.


Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Two Christmas Cards from Queen Elizabeth and Queen Elizabeth II to Prince Charles and Princess Diana

Two printed Christmas cards, one signed by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the cover featuring an image of Queen Elizabeth and the Buckingham Palace Horse Guards, the interior inscribed Charles and Diana with Love, Mummy, Papa 1986, the second given by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, the cover with a Royal Gilt Crown, the interior with an image of the Queen Mother holding flowers, and inscribed darling Charles and Diana, and after printed Christmas Greeting: and much love from Granny, and dated 1988-6 x 8 ½ in.; 8 5/8 x 7 ½ in.

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Pair of Princess Diana Blue Enamel and Silver Presentation Cufflinks
London, circa 1990, maker's mark ACB

Designed as oval blue enamel disks decorated with crowned initial D for Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), each attached by a small link chain to a back link of lozenge shape of blue enamel-initialed link 3/4 in. long, with original blue fitted presentation box, the cover embossed with crowned insignia D, the interior stamped with royal warrants of Gerald Benney, Berkshire

Provenance:
Commissioned by Princess Diana as a presentation gift, said to be one of approximately ten pairs made
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Princess Diana Silver Presentation Paper Knife
London, circa 1990, maker's mark AGB

Of typical form, the tapered polished silver blade enhanced with a textured section simulating wood grain ending in a circular disc engraved with the crowned initial D for Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), the reverse with textured sunburst design-7 in. long, in original blue fitted presentation box, the cover embossed with crowned insignia D, the interior stamped with royal warrants of Gerald Benney, Goldsmiths and Jewellers

Provenance:
Commissioned by Princess Diana as a presentation gift.
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Pair of Prince of Wales Gold Cufflinks
By Cartier, circa 1990, stamped Cartier London, 375

Designed as double links of oval 9k rose gold disks, each engraved with Prince of Wales Feathers, attached by small gold link chains-3/4 in. long, in original red fitted box stamped Cartier, London, Paris, New York

Provenance:
Commissioned by Charles, Prince of Wales (b. 1948) as a presentation gift. Only ten pairs were said to have been made; other pairs were given to Prime Minister John Major, and the Prince's brothers, Andrew, the Duke of York, and Edward, the Earl of Wessex
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Magnum of Vintage 1961 Champagne Cuvée Dom Perignon for the Wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer

This bottle of champagne was shipped in small quantities to be used for the toast at the wedding breakfast, the Moët et Chandon label reads as follows: Specially shipped to honour the marriage of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer, 29 July 1981. Champagne Cuvée Dom Perignon, Vintage 1961, Disgorged 1981, 1961 was the year of Princess Diana's birth

Accompanied with letter by Moet Hennessy dated May 25th 2000 affirming that this Dom Perignon Cuvée was never offered for sale as the quantity at the time of release in 1981 was small.

Provenance:
Presented by Diana, Princess of Wales
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Silver-Plated Goblet Honoring Charles, Prince of Wales

A sliver-plated replica after the original wine chalice for Charles II (r. 1660-1685), to commemorate Charles, Prince of Wales, at Caernarvon Castle, by Preston's, Ltd., dated July 1, 1969, numbered 104 from a limited edition of 1000, in a blue leather fitted presentation case, 6 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Princess Diana Halcyon Days Presentation Carriage Clock
Circa 1990, Hope & Glory Ceramic Specialists, London

The rectangular clock of typical form with chime and polished gilded brass sides, the front panel decorated with light green enamel enhanced with floral clusters, the circular white enamel dial with black Roman chapters, above the crowned initial D for Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997) within an oval floral frame inscribed Presented H. R. H. Princess of Wales; Panel engraved No. 22 on base. Inscribed made in England 11 Jewels.-5 1/8x 3 1/2 x 3 in., in original blue fitted presentation box, the cover embossed in gold with crowned insignia D

Produced in very limited numbers; these carriage clocks were usually presented by Princess Diana to a favorite charity as a prestigious gift to raise funds.

Provenance:
Made for Princess Diana
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Pair of Royal Minton "Beasts" Commemorating the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981
With maker's stamp inscribed 29 July 1981, The Wedding of HRH the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer, no. 87 of a Limited Edition of 250

Each designed as a winged stylized lion resting on hind legs, one in white bone china, the other bright red, holding the respective Coats-of-Arms of the House of Spencer and the House of Windsor (figures are incorporated in the coats of arm), on a circular white base, the border enhanced with Royal emblems-6 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Princess Diana Presentation Carriage Clock
Circa 1995, Hope & Glory Ceramic Specialists, London, retailed by Garrard

The rectangular clock of typical form, with polished gilded brass sides and beveled glass panels, the circular white enamel dial with black Roman chapters and Arabic designated minute numerals above crowned initial D for Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), the reverse inscribed made in England 11 Jewels-4 1/4 x 2 7/8 x 2 1/8 in.

Provenance:
Made for Princess Diana for presentation to a single recipient as a personal gift
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Paragon Prince Charles and Princess Diana Porcelain Wedding Loving Cup
1981

Cylindrical, one side decorated with the British Coat of Arms above the inscription Ich Dier, the other side with the portraits of Charles and Diana each within an oval frame below the British Royal Crown and the Prince of Wales Feathers flanked by the Union Jacks and flags of the commonwealth, with the inscriptions The Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer- Married by the Archbishop of Canterbury, 1981-Royal Wedding, St. Paul's Cathedral, Wednesday, July 29th, with gilded lion handles-4 7/8 in. high

Provenance:
Purchased from Camden Passage, London

Princess Diana Halcyon Days Porcelain Presentation Box

Oval, overall decorated with pale green lattice design, the sides enhanced with floral enameled garlands, the cover with a central floral wreath enclosing the crowned initial D for Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), on white ground with white interior, the base with maker's stamp- 2 3/4 in. wide

Provenance:
Commissioned by Princess Diana as a presentation gift to high-ranking visiting dignitaries or important guests or hosts
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

Prince of Wales and Princess Diana Halcyon Days Porcelain Presentation Christmas Box

Oval, the hinged cover decorated with enameled view of Highgrove within a red bracket frame adorned with sprigs of holly or mistletoe, the base of vermillion enamel, opening to reveal inscription Happy Christmas 1987 from Charles and Diana, the base with maker's stamp- 2 in. wide

Provenance:
Commissioned by Prince and Princess of Wales as a presentation gift to a close member of the staff, Christmas 1987
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London

A Substantial Collection of Twenty Prince Charles and Princess Diana Halcyon Days Porcelain Pill Boxes, Each Presented to a Member of their Entourage who Accompanied Them on a Foreign Visit from 1985 to 1993

Circular, each enameled in vibrant colors with representative scene or symbols of the countries visited, the base of each with Halcyon Days maker's stamp-1 1/4 in diam., comprising:

Eleven boxes presented by the Prince of Wales and Princess Diana jointly, each displaying the Prince of Wales Feathers, the interior inscribed Presented by Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales including:

Australia and America, 1985 with Prince of Wales Feathers on white ground with red base

Canada and Japan, 1986 depicting Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman and a Geisha with red base

Vienna, 1986 with Prince of Wales Feathers on white ground below view of Schönbrunn Palace with red base

Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, November 1986, depicting Arab building with green base

Madrid, 1987 depicting the Prado within a red frame on pale yellow ground

France, 1988 with l'Arc de Triomphe framed within the tricolor with blue base

Hong Kong and Indonesia, 1989 depicting an ancient temple encircled by a Chinese dragon with red base

Nigeria and Cameroon, March 1990 depicting respective flags of the nations on deep blue ground with blue base

Japan, November 1990 depicting Japanese Emperor and his wife with red base

Brazil, April 1991, depicting Pao de Açucar in Rio de Janeiro with moss green base

India, February 1992 with view of the Taj Mahal, with green base; this was the famous visit when Diana sat alone in front of the Taj Mahal

Four boxes presented by the Prince of Wales, each displaying the Prince of Wales Feathers, the interior inscribed Presented by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales including:

Texas, California, 1986 depicting the two state flags on white ground with deep blue base

Harvard, Boston, Chicago, 1986 depicting various buildings associated with those locales on burgundy base

Swaziland, Malawi, Kenya, Botswana, April 1987 depicting scenes of an African Safari with pale blue base

New York, Bahamas, Palm Beach, Washington, Puerto Ayacucho, 1989 depicting a stylized map of United States and the Caribbean with blue base

Five boxes presented by the Princess Diana, each displaying a crowned insignia D for Diana, Princess of Wales, some within oval frames, the interior inscribed Presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales including:

Lille, Paris, 1992 depicting the Eiffel Tower and an ancient clock tower against blue sky with a red, white, and blue border on deep blue base

Egypt, May 1992, depicting the Nile and various temples in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan with a red, white, and blue border on deep blue base

Hungary, 1992 depicting a Hungarian castle with patterned border on moss green base

Zimbabwe, July 1993 depicting a map of the country with names of the cities Harare, Chitungwiza, and Masvingo on earth-colored base

Nepal, 1993, depicting a Hindu temple against blue sky with a red, white, and blue border on deep blue base

Provenance:
Purchased from Hope & Glory, London