A Russian gold, enamel and diamond ring featuring the monogram for Alexander II, a pacifist leader who sought peace and aided America, is set to entice bidders.
Alexander II (1818-1881) was Emperor of Russia, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Finland from March 2, 1855 until his assassination in 1881.
His most significant reform as emperor was the emancipation of Russia’s serfs in 1861, for which he is known as Alexander the Liberator. The tsar was responsible for other reforms including reorganising the judicial system, setting up elected local judges, abolishing corporal punishment, promoting local self-government, ending some privileges of the nobility and promoting university education.
Alexander was also notable for his foreign policy, which was mainly pacifist and supportive of the United States. Alexander backed the Union during the American Civil War and sent warships to New York Harbour and San Francisco Bay. He sold Alaska to the United States in 1867, fearing the remote colony would fall into British hands if there were another war.
He sought peace, moved away from bellicose France when Napoleon III fell in 1871, and in 1872 joined with Germany and Austria in the League of the Three Emperors that stabilised the European situation.
The ring, estimate £1,000-£1,500, will be offered in Hansons’ May 16 Monarchs and Majesty Auction. Further entries invited until April 28.
Auction entries invited
Antiques and jewellery expert Isabel Murtough will host a royal memorabilia valuation event at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, on April 22, 10am-noon. To book an appointment, or to discuss a potential consignment to the May 16 Monarchs and Majesty Auction, email Isabel Murtough: [email protected]
