An exceptional and rare three-piece Imperial Russian desk garniture, formerly housed in the Anichkov Palace, and bearing the personal cypher of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia (1850–1908), son of Tsar Alexander II. This museum-documented set includes a central inkwell stand with matching double-arm candelabra, each cast in solid bronze with finely detailed heraldic and neoclassical motifs.
Features:
Central Inkwell Stand:
Featuring two seated lions holding oval shields, surmounted by a large imperial crown. The lions are flanked by lidded inkwells with ornate finials, all resting on a stepped marble base with shallow pen tray recesses. The base retains red Anichkov Palace inventory numbers and St. Petersburg City Museum Historic Buildings Division labels, confirming its documented institutional provenance.
Two Bronze Candelabra:
Each with dual candle branches and flame finials, supported by classical columns and flanking lion masks above scrolled bases. The bases mirror the central platform with marble plinths raised on turned feet.
Historical Notes:
This set was part of the furnishings used by members of the Romanov family and likely occupied a prominent place within the Anichkov Palace—the official residence of Grand Duke Alexei. The central bronze features the imperial cypher of the Grand Duke, finely cast on the shields held by the lions, and crowned with a Russian Imperial crown and cross.
Date:
Circa 1866-1880
Provenance:
Accompanied with an original handwritten 1978 provenance/gift letter from Hans Bech, the Danish ambassador to Finland. The letter explains how he had purchased this set 50 years prior and was now gifting it to his friend living in New York, USA. He had originally purchased the piece in approx. 1928 from a Russian sale.
This is one item of approximately 20,000 pieces that were in the Anichov palace that were then transferred to the city museum about a year after the 1917 revolution. The palace operated as a museum for approximately 10 years before these items were eventually deaccessioned and sold.
Approximate Dimensions:
Condition:
Very good antique condition with an aged verdigris patina consistent with bronze of the 19th century. Museum labels and inventory marks remain intact. Minor surface wear to marble bases.
This is a significant piece of Imperial Russian history, suitable for advanced collectors, institutions, or museums with a focus on Romanov-era decorative arts.
Please inquire for high-resolution photos, provenance documentation, or shipping details. Payment via wire transfer only.
An exceptional and rare three-piece Imperial Russian desk garniture, formerly housed in the Anichkov Palace, and bearing the personal cypher of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia (1850–1908), son of Tsar Alexander II. This museum-documented set includes a central inkwell stand with matching double-arm candelabra, each cast in solid bronze with finely detailed heraldic and neoclassical motifs.
Features:
Central Inkwell Stand:
Featuring two seated lions holding oval shields, surmounted by a large imperial crown. The lions are flanked by lidded inkwells with ornate finials, all resting on a stepped marble base with shallow pen tray recesses. The base retains red Anichkov Palace inventory numbers and St. Petersburg City Museum Historic Buildings Division labels, confirming its documented institutional provenance.
Two Bronze Candelabra:
Each with dual candle branches and flame finials, supported by classical columns and flanking lion masks above scrolled bases. The bases mirror the central platform with marble plinths raised on turned feet.
Historical Notes:
This set was part of the furnishings used by members of the Romanov family and likely occupied a prominent place within the Anichkov Palace—the official residence of Grand Duke Alexei. The central bronze features the imperial cypher of the Grand Duke, finely cast on the shields held by the lions, and crowned with a Russian Imperial crown and cross.
Date:
Circa 1866-1880
Provenance:
Accompanied with an original handwritten 1978 provenance/gift letter from Hans Bech, the Danish ambassador to Finland. The letter explains how he had purchased this set 50 years prior and was now gifting it to his friend living in New York, USA. He had originally purchased the piece in approx. 1928 from a Russian sale.
This is one item of approximately 20,000 pieces that were in the Anichov palace that were then transferred to the city museum about a year after the 1917 revolution. The palace operated as a museum for approximately 10 years before these items were eventually deaccessioned and sold.
Approximate Dimensions:
Condition:
Very good antique condition with an aged verdigris patina consistent with bronze of the 19th century. Museum labels and inventory marks remain intact. Minor surface wear to marble bases.
This is a significant piece of Imperial Russian history, suitable for advanced collectors, institutions, or museums with a focus on Romanov-era decorative arts.
Please inquire for high-resolution photos, provenance documentation, or shipping details. Payment via wire transfer only.
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