Provenance:
Presented by Tsar Nicholas II to Gustave Lannes, Count of Montebello (1838-1907), the French ambassador to Russia
Thence by descent
Imperial presentation silver charka of tapering bulbous shape, raised on circular foot, the sides repoussé with cartouches containing crowned double-headed eagles and ciphers of Nicholas II, surrounded by stylised scrollwork; the top borders set with alternating cabochon moonstones and garnets; the cartouche-shaped falt handle similarly chased and repoussé with a double-headed eagle and set with moonstones and garnet; marked under the base and under the handle.
Gustave Lannes, Count of Montebello (1838-1907) – French diplomat, French ambassador to Russia in 1891–1902.
