A Russian wrought iron, wood and leather upholstered Sleigh 19th century

with a large snow guard protecting the front button upholstered twin seat, the back with a further twin seat, the chassis with traces of gilt line decoration and including four wrought iron foot plates, distressed

Presumably purchased by the 6th Duke when in he was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary to the Russian Empire on the coronation of Czar Nicholas I in 1826. In overall distressed condition. Rusted and with peeling original paint throughout. Losses to upholstery in the front seat, upholstery absent from back seat. Advise inspection.
"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."

This sleigh was possibly acquired by the 6^th Duke of Devonshire, either whilst in Russia in 1817 when he is recorded as also buying a droshky or when he attended the Coronation of Nicholas I as British Ambassador Extraordinary.  The watercolour by Edward Orme showing the Duke being driven round in a droshky, by a Cossack coachman (the Devonshire Collection), dates from the latter period.  Further pictures, in the form of coloured lithographs of Russian vehicles, were acquired by the Duke in either St Petersburg or Moscow.  These he gave to his sister, Lady Georgiana Cavendish, Countess of Carlisle.  The Duke was somewhat extravagant when in Russia and the outlay on his entertainment there is well documented in The Bachelor Duke (opp. cit.). One expense from his trip which seems to have been overlooked was the amazing amount of money he spent on new linen sheets for Chatsworth and Devonshire House. The bill amounted to over £350.