The Russian news agency Kommersant, has reported that a corner divan from the Lower Dacha at Peterhof, which belonged to Emperor Nicholas II and his family, is to be auctioned in St. Petersburg. The Imperial Family were photographed sitting on the divan in 1901.

The walnut Orekhov corner divan was made by the firm of Friedrich Meltzer (1831-1923), it measures 177 cm high, 110 cm wide, and can be disassembled into three tiers. The opening bid is set at 5 million rubles [$63,500 USD].

The Lower Dacha situated in the Alexandria Park, overlooking the Gulf of Finland, served as a summer residence of Emperor Nicholas II and his family during their stays at Peterhof. It was here, that the Tsar’s only son and heir, Alexei, was born on 12th August (O.S. 30th July) 1904. It was also at the Lower Dacha that Nicholas II signed a manifesto on Russia’s entry into the First World War.

During the Great Patriotic War (1941-45), the Nazis used the former Imperial residence as a base for its coastal defence. It was during this time that the former Imperial residence was looted by the invaders, who stole countless personal items (including pieces of furniture) of the former Tsar and his family. The building survived the war, and stood until 1961 when it was blown up by the Soviets – the Lower Dacha was left in ruins.

Please note that the Russian source failed to identify either the auction house or the date for the sale, however, I will endeavour to find out more details and update this post as they become available.

It is the opinion of this author, that this item should be returned to the Peterhof State Museum from where it was originally stolen. Perhaps the acquisition of this corner divan by the museum will give them an opportunity to rethink a reconstruction of the Lower Dacha to what it looked like in 1917?

© Рaul Gilbert. 13 January 2025