Despite Western sanctions against Russia, which include the cancelation of all cultural exchanges [i.e. exhibitions, auctions, etc.], works of Imperial Russian art continue to break records at British, American and French auctions. Paintings by Aivazovsky, Vereshchagin and Repin, luxurious pieces of jewelry made by Fabergé, find their new buyers. Despite the political chaos, the antique market continues to thrive.

On 13th July 2024, a unique Caucasian shashka, which, according to researchers belonged to Emperor Nicholas II, will be sold at the Apollo Art Auctions in London,

The extremely fine-quality Caucasian shashka given to Nicholas II, when he was Tsesarevich (heir apparent). Research suggests the saber was presented to Nicholas during a tour of the Caucasus with his father Emperor Alexander III, in 1888. An Arabic inscription in gold on the blade translates to: (M)ay the dominance of the owner of this sword grow, and his life, and his greatness, and may Allah bless his family, and he will achieve his goal.

It is also monogrammed with the Cyrillic letters “HA” – “NA” in English – (for Nicholas Alexandrovich), surrounded by a golden laurel and surmounted by the Imperial Russian Crown. Its wonderfully-decorated scabbard bears a calligraphic Arabic inscription that would be the equivalent of a European maker’s mark. Translated, it says “Abdullah worked.”

Held in consecutive European private collections, including the Eugene Mollo collection (Switzerland), it is the first royal sword ever to be offered for public sale. It requires an opening bid of £1,200,000 ($1,516,300 USD).

Photos provided in this post are courtesy of the Apollo Art Auctions

© Paul Gilbert. 8 July 2024