CZAREVICH ALEXEI NIKOLAEVICH: TWO PAIRS OF SKIS AND A PAIR OF BOOTS, A.B. OTTO BRANDT, HELSINKI, CIRCA 1910 |

both pairs of skis engraved with the Imperial cypher A for the Czarevich, complete with two sets of ski poles, contained in original fitted mahogany case applied with the Imperial cypher in silver, one leather boot and the ski poles with applied inventory labels

Czarevich Alexei Nikolaevich
Hammer Galleries
Sotheby's New York, December 6, 1995, lot 345
Sotheby's New York, April 12, 2011, lot 253

the lid of the mahogany box with two cracks, the leather boots and ski poles with some minor losses due to age
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

According to documents recently found in the Russian State Historical Archives (RGIA, f. 595, op. 2 [213/2711], d. 271, pp. 76-84) in February 1910 the Moscow Ski Club (Moskovskii Klub Lyzhnikov) petitioned the Chancellery of the Ministry of the Imperial Court, requesting official permission to present a set of skiing equipment (including skis, poles, a pair of ski boots and mittens) to the Czarevich and request that he become an official patron of the organization. As the members noted in their petition, the Moscow Ski Club provided skis and lessons to city school pupils in order to encourage "moral and physical development" as well as to "inspire love for country and for the Most August Leader." After some investigation by court officials, the request was officially granted by Empress Alexandra on September 4, 1910. The offered lot is almost certainly the ski set presented to the young Czarevich by the Moscow Ski Club. Although his hemophilia prevented him from engaging in much rough play, the boy was permitted to ski, usually cross-country skiing. There has been preserved a letter dated January 22, 1918 written by Alexei from Tobolsk to Anna Vyrubova in which he mentions skiing in the snowy courtyard as one of the few pastimes he was allowed during his imprisonment. 

Sotheby's is grateful to Svetlana Chestnykh for her assistance in cataloging this lot.