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Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No. JJ-5050/2 Exquisite oval icon of the "Madonna of Kazan". It is painted on ivory in a charming combination of water colors. The Greek symbols are for "Mother of God", "Jesus Christ" and "Kazanski Mother of God". The icon has a brass rim and is framed in rose velvet; it is backed with rose ribbed silk. Attached is the original government inventory tag, the abbreviations of which read: "Alexander Palace Museum, Children's Apartments, Classroom of the Older Grand Duchesses Number 644/III". These were the daughters of Nicholai II, whose palace was located in Tsarskoye Selo. This icon was undoubtedly executed by the Tsarina of Russia, a talented artist, whose work is easily recognized by her choice of colors and the fact that she invariably marked her paintings with the initials of her maiden name, Hesse. The fascinating history of icons can be traced back to the time of the pyramids in Egypt, but the oldest examples are to be found today in the Russian churches. The primary influence was that of the Byzantine, which accounts for their resemblance to the Italian primitives, with which we are more familiar. The spiritual feeling in these works of art is the expression of the monks, who executed them after long and fervent prayer. Larger icons are usually painted on wooden plaques; the small ones were more personal and were worn about the neck or carried in the pocket to be near at hand in time of need.

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No. ME-1249 Round snuffbox of spinach green Ural jade with hinged lid, mounted in gold. On the cover, set in diamonds, is the crown and monogram of Nicholai II, backed with two laurel sprays in green gold of exquisite workmanship, also set with diamonds. The top and bottom rims are engraved in delicate dot and dash design, while through the center runs a fillet of finely chased acanthus leaves in green gold and several tiny rosettes of red gold. This superb example of the jeweler's art was designed by the celebrated jeweler to Nicholai II, Carl Faberge, and is hall-marked with his full name, the initials of his leading artist, Mikhail Perchin, the number "56" denoting the equivalent of 14 karat gold, the wreathed head of the government assay office, and the initials of the gold inspector "YL". From the collection of Nicholai II, last Czar of Russia, in the Alexander Palace, Tsarskoye Selo.

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No. RB-5210/37 Delightful charm of a German Dachshund [underlined] in seated posture. Carved from genuine topaz, he is adorned with a gold collar and suspended from a gold link. His eyes are realistically set with emeralds. This excellently modeled and lifelike animal was designed by the celebrated court jeweler to Nicholai II, Carl Faberge, and executed by his talented stone carver, Kremlev. Mrs. J. L. Pratt December, 1937

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No. RH-1815 Charming stone figure designed by the celebrated court jeweler to Nicholai II, Carl Faberge, and executed by his leading stone carver, Kremlev. Represented is one of the favorite sailors of Grand Duke Mikhail Alexandrovitch, brother of the last Tsar, Nicholai II. The name of the Imperial yacht "Zarnitsa" is inscribed in gold on the seaman's hatband. Standing solidly on his two feet of black onyx slightly spread apart, this sailor of courageous appearance is dressed in a spotless, freshly laundered suit of milky white jade. His piercing blue eyes, each set with a cabochon sapphire, sparkle with loyalty and sincerity. Flesh-toned aventurine makes up his interesting face, finely moulded [sic] with high cheek bones and sharp nose – typically Slavic characteristics. His sturdy hands are also of aventurine. This unusual portrayal, viewed from any angle, is singularly lifelike and attractive. It is contained in the original hollywood box of the court jeweler, and is stamped with his full name beneath the double-headed eagle of royal appointment. The "Zarnitsa" was anchored just outside of Kronstadt during the Krensky Revolution, and it is said that while the other sailors of the fleet joined the revolutionists, those on board the yacht ramined [sic] loyal to the Grand Duke Mikhail, in whose favor Nicholai II abdicated. Mrs. J. L. Pratt December 9, 1937 FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK

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