Description:

Czar Alexander II Signed Gorgeously Illuminated Manuscript Ennobling a Naval Surgeon & Crimean War Veteran

A sumptuously illuminated appointment in Cyrillic ennobling a Russian naval surgeon and Crimean War veteran, prominently signed by Czar Alexander II (1818-1881) at its conclusion. N.d., n.p. The manuscript, which is seven pages on four sheets of vellum measuring 12.75" x 18," is gorgeously hand-decorated throughout, featuring the czar's "A" monogram and double-headed eagle emblem of the Romanov Dynasty; a detailed painting of the doctor's new Coat of Arms; and ornate borders depicting medieval inspired heraldic shields, knight's heads, and geometric motifs. Contained in a large green embossed velvet presentation folder with tan silk damask guards, green silk wrappers, and a hard outer case, measuring 13.75" x 18.5." The actual document is in remarkably clean, fine condition, with just a little grubbiness to the page corners and scattered gentle foxing. Else bright and vibrant. Expected wear and damage to the covers and fabric of the presentation folder. Accompanied by several untranslated period documents in Russian, as well as a complete English translation.

Russian Emperor Alexander II promoted a former naval surgeon named Adam Ilyin Galonen to the Russian nobility, with all rights attached thereunto, including the use of a splendid Coat of Arms. Galonen had graduated from the Emperor's St. Petersburg Medical and Surgery Academy as a Doctor of the second rank. He enlisted as a naval surgeon in July 1830, and was attached to various hospitals, medical facilities, and ports over the next 25 years. We know from this biographical background that Galonen was also a veteran of the Crimean War: he was "awarded with the Highest Grace for the participation in Hesilgfors batteries defence [sic] during the British and French bombardment of Sveaborg fortress…and decorated with…a bronze medal in commemoration of the war of 1853-1856…"

The appointment reads in part:

"So, We, as requital for the zealous services of Court Counsellor Adam Ilyin Galonen and due to Our Imperial will and grace that We have to reward the virtues of Our subjects and due to the autocratic power given to Us by All Mighty God, have graciously deigned to forever raise Our above-mentioned loyal subject Galonen to the honour and dignity of Our Imperial Gentry of Our All Russian Empire, Kingdoms, Princedoms and Lands, and, thus, by this chart and its power…We rule and confer and include him in the number of other All Russian Gentry, so that he and his descendants will forever have all the liberties, honour and privileges granted to Our All Russian Gentry according to Our rules, regulations, and customs.

For greater evidence and as a sign of this Our Imperial grace and ennoblement, Galonen is bestowed with the following Coat of Arms: A silver three-masted battleship on a blue shield. The shield is crowned with a noble helmet and crown. Plumage: three ostrich feathers: the middle one of blue and the side ones of silver. Coat: blue and silver…"

A similar appointment signed by Czar Alexander II fetched nearly $30,000 at Christie's in 2016.

Provenance

Accompanying paperwork includes:

1. A small group of contemporary Russian documents, untranslated, but presumably related to Galonen's appointment. These documents are dated 1875, 1893, 1912, and 1926. Also includes an original transmittal envelope with a gilt seal.

2. A full English translation of Alexander's appointment.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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August 25, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000