Catalogue

Documents related to the abdication of Russian Emperor Nicholas II in March 1917:

First page (first side)
This is the original copy of telegram No. 7 from the Chief of Staff of the 28th Army Corps dated March 4, 1917, typed on a typewriter and addressed to Major General Zalesky, Commander of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, and Captain Zateplinsky, Chief of Staff of the 60th Infantry Division, sent immediately after the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II. The telegram is verified, certified, and originally signed in ink (not a facsimile) by the adjutant of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, Lieutenant (the signature’s surname is illegible). The text includes the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II in Pskov on March 2, 1917.
The telegram is subject to immediate publication.

First page (second side)
This is the original copy of telegram No. 7 from the Chief of Staff of the 28th Army Corps dated March 4, 1917, typed on a typewriter and addressed to Major General Zalesky, Commander of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, and Captain Zateplinsky, Chief of Staff of the 60th Infantry Division. The telegram is verified, certified, and originally signed in ink (not a facsimile) by the adjutant of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, Lieutenant (the signature’s surname is illegible).
The page is titled *Manifesto of Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich*.
The text includes the *Manifesto of Grand Duke Michael Alexandrovich* (brother of Emperor Nicholas II), dated March 3, 1917, in which he refuses to assume power from Emperor Nicholas II. The telegram was sent to Pskov on March 4, 1917, No. 1272/b at 6:15 AM, signed by Ruzsky.
The telegram is subject to immediate publication.
For information: General of Infantry Ruzsky was present at the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II.

Sheet No. 2
This is the original copy of the telegram from General of Infantry Danilov, sent at 6:00 AM on March 4, 1917, typed on a typewriter and addressed to Major General Zalesky, Chief of Staff. The telegram is verified, certified, and signed in ink by the adjutant of the 238th Vetluzhsky Regiment, Lieutenant (the signature’s surname is illegible).
For information: General of Infantry Yuri Danilov was present at the abdication of Emperor Nicholas II.

The telegram is titled – *Order to the Army and Navy No. 1 by Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich Jr.*, following his appointment as Supreme Commander of the Army and Navy of the Russian Empire by Emperor Nicholas II.
A brief historical note: The appointment of Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich to the position of Supreme Commander of the Army and Navy of the Russian Empire was the last order of Emperor Nicholas II before his abdication on March 2, 1917.
Order No. 1 of Grand Duke Nikolai Nikolaevich was possibly his first and last order, as he held this position for only about 10 days before being forced to leave under pressure from the Provisional Government, never having begun his duties.

Dimensions of the sheets: 36 x 22 cm.

Starting price: 5000€
Estimate: 7000-10000€

A Rare Russian Imperial Brass Samovar in Neoclassical Form – Late 19th Century.
Height: 51.5 cm.

This exquisite Russian Imperial brass samovar, dating from the late 19th century, showcases the elegance and craftsmanship of the era. Designed in a refined neoclassical style, the samovar is a stunning example of Russian artistry and tradition. Its beautifully polished brass body features intricate details that embody the neoclassical aesthetic, making it a standout piece for any collector or connoisseur of Russian antiques.

The samovar bears the maker’s mark of the prestigious I. Kaprizin and Sons manufactory, renowned for producing high-quality metalworks in Tula, the historical center of Russian samovar production. This adds significant provenance and authenticity to the piece, further elevating its value.

Starting price: 10000€
Estimate: 12000-15000€
Hammer Price: €

A Russian Imperial silver and cloisonné enamel brooch in the shape of a kindjal. St. Petersburg, late 19th century.
Length: 6.4 cm. Weight: 6.5 g.

Starting price: 150€
Estimate: 200-250€

An authentic 19th-century miniature travel samovar by renowned Tula craftsman Vasily Karshinikov. Standing at 23.7 cm, this compact yet elegant piece reflects the traditions of Russian tea culture and Tula craftsmanship. Ideal for antique collections or historic-style interiors.

Starting price: 400€
Estimate: 500-600€
Hammer Price: €

An Official Badge “Track Guard,” 1st Vilnius District of Railways and Communications.
Dimensions: 10.5 x 9.4 cm

Starting price: 200€
Estimate: 250-400€

“Soviet Railway USSR Emblem Plaque

A Soviet cast-metal railway emblem plaque featuring the abbreviation “CCCP” above the state emblem with hammer and sickle over a globe, red star, wheat sheaves, draped banners, and the slogan “Пролетарии всех стран, соединяйтесь!”. The lower section is formed with crossed railway tools, reinforcing its association with the Soviet railway system.

Executed in cast metal and retaining its original painted surface, the plaque preserves polychrome decoration in red, blue, gold, white, and black. The reverse is plain, with mounting holes for attachment.

Material: painted cast metal
Dimensions: 37.5 × 26.5 cm
Weight: 3917 g

Condition: wear consistent with age and use, including paint losses, abrasions, oxidation and corrosion to the reverse, and minor edge wear visible in the photographs. Original paint. Sold as viewed.”

Starting price: 250€
Estimate: 300-350€
Hammer Price: €

A Badge “Forest Guard of the Udel Department”. Russia, second half of the 19th century. Bronze.
Dimensions: 8.2 x 9.7 cm.

Starting price: 200€
Estimate: 250-400€

Anatoly Nikiforovich Yar-Kravchenko (1911–1983)
Gorky Reading the Fairy Tale “The Girl and Death” to Joseph Stalin, Vyacheslav Molotov and Kliment Voroshilov
Soviet Union, 1940s–early 1950s
Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 195 × 150 cm

A large Soviet historical composition after Anatoly Yar-Kravchenko’s well-known painting, depicting Maxim Gorky seated at a table and reading his fairy tale The Girl and Death to Joseph Stalin, Vyacheslav Molotov and Kliment Voroshilov. The scene refers to a famous episode of 11 September 1931, when Stalin visited Gorky and later wrote his remark that the tale was “stronger than Goethe’s Faust,” as love conquers death.

The work belongs to the tradition of Soviet Socialist Realist painting, combining literary history with official political iconography. Yar-Kravchenko’s composition was widely known in the Soviet period and exists in museum versions, including a large canvas in the Russian Museum.

Starting price: 500€
Estimate: 750-1000€
Hammer Price: €

A Russian badge of the “Life Guards of the Pavlovsky regiment”. Bronze, remnants of gilding. Petersburg, the end of the 19th century. Dimensions: 35 x 35 mm.

Starting price: 250€
Estimate: 300-400€

Ekaterina Ridievskaya, after Rembrandt van Rijn – Copy of “Portrait of a Polish Nobleman”

Signed in Cyrillic and dated 1849.
Oil on canvas.
Dimensions without frame: 46 × 38 cm.

A 19th-century copy after Rembrandt’s “Portrait of a Polish Nobleman,” depicting a richly dressed figure in a fur hat, holding a scroll. Signed in Cyrillic Ekaterina Ridievskaya and dated 1849.

Presented in a gilt ornamental frame.

Condition: craquelure, surface wear, and age-related frame wear.

Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3000€
Hammer Price: €

A Soviet aviation dagger with engraving in box. Inscription on the blade: “To Major General of Aviation, Hero of the Soviet Union, V.I. Popkov, from the Minister of Defense.” 09.05.65 Vitaly Ivanovich Popkov (Russian: Виталий Иванович Попков; 1 May 1922 – 6 February 2010) was a Soviet fighter pilot who became a flying ace during the Second World War. During the war, he was credited with around 40 aerial victories for which he was twice awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union. After the war he remained in the military and reached the rank of general-lieutenant, retiring in 1989. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitaly_Popkov
Total length of the dagger in the scabbard: 34 cm.

Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3000€

Portrait of Emperor Napoleon I. Oil on canvas, unsigned, 19th century. Portrait of Emperor Napoleon I depicted in full military uniform, adorned with prestigious medal decorations, including the Legion of Honour. The painting is framed in an ornate gilded profile frame, exuding imperial grandeur. The artwork shows slight signs of age, with minor damage consistent with its historical provenance, adding to its timeless charm. A striking and regal piece, capturing the majesty of Napoleon’s reign. Attributed to François Gérard (1770-1837), a renowned French portrait painter and Baron Gérard, celebrated for his works of Napoleonic figures. Dimensions with frame: 67 x 60 cm., without frame: 40.5 x 33 cm.

Starting price: 5000€
Estimate: 7000-9000€
Hammer Price: €

An Antique 19th-Century Afghan Flintlock rifle. This is a rare and beautifully crafted 19th-century Afghan flintlock gun. Known for its historical significance and intricate design, this weapon represents the traditional craftsmanship of Afghan gunsmiths during the 1800s. The flintlock mechanism is fully functional, and the gun remains in remarkable condition, making it an exceptional collector’s item. Caliber: 12.7 mm.
Total length: 141 cm.

Starting price: 700€
Estimate: 800-1000€

talian School – “The Holy Family”, 18th Century

Italy, 18th century.
Painting on cardboard.
Dimensions with frame: 37 × 42 cm.
Dimensions without frame: 25 × 29.7 cm.

A small 18th-century Italian devotional painting depicting the Holy Family. The Virgin Mary is shown holding the Christ Child, with Saint Joseph beside them, rendered in a soft, intimate manner typical of religious cabinet pictures of the period.

Presented in a gilt carved frame.

Condition: visible craquelure, age-related wear, surface marks, and frame wear.

Starting price: 650€
Estimate: 800-1000€
Hammer Price: €

Attributed to Pavel Zigus – “Autumn Landscape with Birch Trees”

Russian oil on canvas painting, “Autumn Landscape”, attributed to Pavel Zigus.
Early 20th century.
Oil on canvas.
Dimensions: 110 × 57 cm framed, 90 × 35 cm without frame.

A decorative Russian vertical landscape depicting birch trees beside a quiet river or stream, with a small village visible in the distance. The composition is executed in soft autumnal tones, with delicate treatment of foliage, water, and atmospheric depth.

Presented in an ornate gilt frame.

Condition: age-related craquelure, surface wear, and minor frame losses.

Starting price: 2000€
Estimate: 2500-3000€
Hammer Price: €

A Russian Percussion Pistol from Izhevsk Arms Factory, 1860. It is a historical firearm with a percussion ignition mechanism. The pistol is in good condition and would be a great addition to any collection.
Total length: 41.5 cm.

Starting price: 1500€
Estimate: 2000-2500€

A Rare M-1889 Japanese Naval Prison and Shore Patrol Sword. This rare and historical sword is in overall good condition, with some minor rust, indicative of its age and authenticity.
Total length: 79 cm. Blade length: 56.3 cm. Blade width: 2.5 cm.

Starting price: 400€
Estimate: 500-600€

Vintage GUB Glashütte Marine Chronometer (Serial No. 8938)
This rare GUB Glashütte marine chronometer is a finely crafted timepiece made in Germany, featuring a precision nautical brass movement mounted in a gimbal system within its original mahogany presentation box. The chronometer includes Roman numerals, a power reserve indicator, and a subdial for seconds, making it an exceptional addition to any nautical, vintage, or horology collection.

Dimensions of the Box: 25 x 32.8 x 25 cm

Starting price: 1000€
Estimate: 1500-2500€
Hammer Price: €

A Russian Soviet Model 1940 shashka sword issued for generals. Shows traces of use, but the blade remains in perfect condition.
Total length: 105.5 cm. Blade length: 86 cm. Blade width: 3 cm.

Starting price: 4500€
Estimate: 5000-6000€

Coronation beaker commemorating the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.
Russian Empire, 1896.
White-enamelled metal, polychrome enamel decoration, gilding.
Height: 14 cm.
Diameter: 9.5 cm.
A Russian coronation beaker made for the festivities surrounding the coronation of Emperor Nicholas II, held in Moscow on 14/26 May 1896. The cylindrical body is covered with white enamel and decorated with a repeating ornamental pattern in red and blue, recalling Russian national and Neo-Byzantine motifs.
One side bears the Imperial double-headed eagle within a circular medallion. The reverse is decorated with the crowned monogram of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna, with the date “1896” below. The upper rim was originally gilded, emphasizing the ceremonial character of the object.
Such beakers formed part of the coronation gift distributed to the public during the Moscow celebrations.

Starting price: 300€
Estimate: 400-500€
Hammer Price: €