Forty-three pieces of glassware, Imperial Glassworks, St Petersburg, 19th Century

comprising 8 banded shot glasses inscribed Michael Mikhailovich in Cyrillic, 7 dessert saucers inscribed EM, 12 decanters (two of squared, tapered form and inscribed MN in Cyrillic for Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich, six tapered and inscribed Michael Mikhailovich in Cyrillic, one of rounded, bulbous form, three rounded and inscribed EM), 8 large goblets, 8 small wine glasses (four marked EM)

Very good condition. One decanter with an approximate 3cm crack along the interior, not tangible from the exterior, another with a chipped rim. One stopper with significantly chipped edges. Otherwise with minor chips throughout. The decanters with light surface dirt to the interior.
"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."

The Grand Duke Michael Nikolaevich (1832-1909), son of Nicholas I, served as Governor General of the Caucasus for many years and lends his cipher to the earliest pieces of the present lot. His son, the Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich, whose lozenge-shaped cipher is found on certain items of the set, appears to have travelled with the set when exiled from Russia in 1891 following his morganatic marriage to Countess Sophie von Merenberg. In 1900 the couple established themselves within British high society, living first at Keele Hall in Staffordshire and then at Kenwood House in Hampstead. Since then, the items have passed by descent through their eldest daughter, the Countess Anastasia Mikhailovna de Torby, later Lady Zia Wernher, resident at Luton Hoo. Despite its inherent fragility, this resilient set carries within it a wealth of history through the entertainment is has given to so many over a great number of years.