A FINE RUSSIAN NIELLO AND SILVER GILT SWORD SHASHQUA, AWARDED TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE GRAND DUKE MICHAEL NICOLAEVICH FOR VALOUR, 1866

the neillo and silver gilt hilt decorated with floral and foliage motifs, the pommel ear engraved in Cyrillic "for Valour". The scabbard mounts are en-suite and the locket engraved in Cyrillic and translates "To his Imperial Highness The Commander in Chief of the Caucasian Army, from the Nizhgorod Dragoon Regiment 5th February 1866". The blade has a curved single edge with traces of etched inscriptions and moons. The scabbard is wound with a black and orange riband and an enamelled silver small Badge of the Military Honour of St George
Bearing 84 silver standard mark, assayer's mark and dated 1865, the makers mark in Arabic and the Royal Warrant mark

overall condition good, some rubbing to marks and silver gilt, a number of small knocks and dents to handle and throughout
"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."

His Imperial Highness the Grande Duke Michael Nicolaevich, brother of Alexander II, and son of Nicholas I and Charlotte of Prussia was the Commander in the Caucasian Army at that time. He was born in St Petersburg in 1832 and died in Cannes in 1909