A silver-gilt sculpture - the Tsar's cannon, Sazikov, Moscow, 1852

finely cast and chased, on a rectangular stand mounted with an infantry soldier in medieval armour, 84 standard

His Excellency Mr Lawrence Steinhardt,  American Ambassador to Russia, (1941)
Doyle, New York, 19th and 20th Century Decorative Arts / Property of the The Steinhardt-Sherlock Turst, Washington DC, September 24th 2003, lot 162

Some wear to the gilding and surface scratches consistent with age and use. In overall apparent good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Tsar Pushka, on which this is modelled is a huge cannon, commissioned in 1586 by Russian Tsar Feodor, son of Ivan the Terrible. Also known as the Tsar's Cannon it was intended as a showpiece of military might and engineering. It is decorated with reliefs, including one depicting Tsar Feodor Ivanovich on a horse. The cannon is located within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin next to the Tsar Kolokol, a similarly massive bell thought never to have rung.

Mr Steinhardt was the nephew of Samuel Untermeyer, a close friend of President Roosevelt. He served briefly as Ambassador to Russia in 1941.