Romanov Items/Souvenirs that You Own

[alithere0]

I own four watercolors by Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna and one oil.   I purchased them from two auction houses based in Copenhagen.  As art they are merely "decorative", but the historical, romantic association is the real appeal.  Three of the pictures are forest scenes; in fact, two picture her "favorite" tree.  Two of the watercolors are a "matching" set of potted flowers set on a window.  The oil is another forest scene from her time in Denmark.

I also own a page, probably from an autograph book, signed by "Nicky" and "Alix".  Above their signatures the Tsar wrote "Darmstadt" and the date.  The IF were there to attend the wedding of the couple who would become the parents of Prince Philip.  Above N and A's signature there are two signatures, "Dmitri" and "Marie".  I wonder if these are the signatures of G.D. Serge and Elizabeth's "foster children".  There are other signatures on both sides of the page that either I can't decipher or do not recognize.

[pushkina]

While my momento is not rare, it is an incredible conversation piece.  

I have an enameled beaker, otherwise known as the Cup of Sorrow, which were handed out after the Coronation festivities at Khodinka field.  

I purchased it in London in 1993 for 5 pounds.  

when we were in las vegas in december 2002, there was a big exhibition at the venetian there from the hermitage and las vegas had gone romanov.  in the bellagio there was a boutique of romanov items, including a beaker and a cup w/handle (or a  pitcher) (i believe) from the khodynka meadows.  the sellers seemed reputable and they had papers to prove provenance.

i wanted it soooo badly; i was entranced by many things they had for sale but the prices!  the khdynka meadows cups mean so much.  i impressed my husband with my pitch to purchase but i knew it wasn't going to happen.

they wanted close to US$1000 for the cup w/handle / pitcher and US$800 for the beaker.

if yours is real, you definitely got a bargain!

[Alicky1872]

Does anyone own any actual photographs of the Romanovs (or other Royal Families) or letters written by them? These things I find really interesting. The jewels, crosses and such are nice, but as many people have stated previously, it's so hard to proove they actually belonged to the Romanovs.

[Jane]

No photos, no Faberge, nothing of that nature.  I do have a number of Imperial ruble notes from between 1903 and 1910.  My late stepfather collected all sorts of coins and notes (he was not a serious collector at all), and he gave them to me, so I have a number of interesting (and undoubtedly worthless) items--francs from right after WWII, the old Imperial rubles, stuff like that.  

[Alicky1872]

My most prized Royal posession is a cabinet photo from Darmstadt, of "Ella" Grand Duchess Serge with her sister Princess Victoria of Hesse and their uncle, "Bertie" Prince of Wales!

[Scott]

One of the things I own is a letter from Tsarevich Alexander (future Alexander III) to a Count Ivanovich in 1870.  The letter is written in the hand of a secretary, but is signed by Alexander:



A translation is as follows:

Count Alexander Ivanovich.  In the past year, doctors found it necessary to take my children to the sea this summer, and when in March the place of residence was supposed to be selected on the Baltic Sea, I suggested Gapsal, as a place not only beneficial for health, but also the place, which left the most gratifying memories thanks to, of course, the time spent at dacha, which Countess de-la Gardi, who passed away, used to place at our disposal without fail.

Grand Duchess and I, as we found out about your willingness to offer us your home for the next summer as well, were anticipating the benefit and pleasure of staying there, but God wished to test us, what forces us to refuse your kind offer: it is impossible for Tsearevna to go to Gapsal alone; I, due to my military service, have to stay at camp; that is why we decided, that she and our son will set off for Denmark, where, as doctors assure, staying at the sea will be just as beneficial for the child; and the Grand Duchess will find consolation in her sorrow amongst her family.

Thus, we apologize to you and Countess for inconvenience, and ask you to kindly extend your hospitality, if next year our son has necessity to spend a summer in Gapsal.

Please convey to the Countess deepest regard from me and Tsesarevna.

With sincere respect and gratitude,
Yours Alexander.


The 10th day of May, 1870
Tsarskoe Selo

[Alicky1872]

Wow Scott--that really is amazing! And the cabinet photo of him next to the letter makes it even more wonderful! Do you mind me asking where you found that? Thank you for sharing your letter and photo with us, and for taking the time to translate the letter into English! I own 2 signed letters, one from Princess Thyra of Denmark (Empress Marie's (Minny's) sister) to her piano teacher, and a signed card from Irene, (Princess of Hesse) Princess Heinrich on the occasion of Prince Heinrich's death, thanking someone for their condolences.

[Scott]

I'm a long time collector of Imperial Russian items.  I bought the letter from a Russian dealer in Chicago several years ago, and bought the photo from a dealer in Atlanta around the same time.

I have other documents that I'll try to post later.

[mjg933]

I own a dinner table napkin in white linen damask, embroided with monogram of Nicholas II at the corners, Imperial eagles, crossed scepters and swords under crowns, dated at the corners 1910/1911 The napkin is in excellent condition.

[Noble]

In Stockholm, Sweden, a russian auction will be held in December at Stockholms Auktionsverk founded 1674. In the catalogue you will find some interesting pieces with imperial provenance, for example lot 217 a silver tray of Grand Duke Sergei.

Website: www.auktionsverket.se

[londo954]

I have a 1916 Imperial Russian War Bond...drawn off a New York bank with teh premium tickets removed up to November 1917 LOL Gee  I wonder why that one was never redeemed

[missmoldavite]

Can someopne confirm or not whether this piece I am about to discuss was actually owned by the "Dreaded Uncle" (sorry if my spelling is innacurate...do update me is so)

Its a 3 panelled tryptich. Silver with Mother of Pearl  with enameling over the top of the Mother of Pearl. Small enough to fit in the pocket over the breast. Apparently it was put in the pocket over the breast before going to war.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[missmoldavite]

I have one of those war bonds too.

[felix]

In 1993 while on vacation  a man stopped me outside the Catherine palace and told me about a show on the Romanov's  in town. I got posters of Nicholas II and one of the IF.  They had photos of the Paley family and other things. I think my posters where 75 year anniversary momentos.

[missmoldavite]

What would a carved malachite faberge bear be worth, on today's market?.
(It has been confirmed by Sotheby's some time ago as being authentic faberge, the lady who used to work for Sotheby's at the time is a good friend of my father's).