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MILLON

553 - RARE PARADE CAP FROM THE IZMAILOVSKY OR PAVLOVSKY REGIMENT O…
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Estimate €3,000 - €5,000
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Description
RARE PARADE CAP FROM THE IZMAILOVSKY OR PAVLOVSKY REGIMENT OF THE IMPERIAL GUARD, ONCE BELONGING TO TSAR NICHOLAS II The upper crown is made of dark green woollen cloth, edged with red piping around the crown and the headband; the headband is of white cloth; the peak is of black patent leather, featuring a silver and gold metal cockade with black enamel mounted on a metal rosette; the interior is in brown leather, stamped with the initial ‘N’ of the last Tsar of Russia in Cyrillic script beneath an imperial crown in gold lettering. Russia, Nicholas II period, 1900–1914. L. 26 cm x D. (inside) 17 cm. Provenance Nicholas II, Emperor of Russia (1894–1917). History It is impossible to determine whether this is a cap from the Izmailovsky or Pavlovsky Regiment, as they were identical. The Izmailovsky Guards Regiment, founded in 1730 during the reign of Empress Anne, was one of the most prestigious regiments of the Russian Imperial Guard. Since the 18th century, the position of regimental patron (шеф) had traditionally been reserved exclusively for members of the imperial family. On the death of Alexander III on 2 November 1894, Nicholas II became the regimental patron and retained this title until his abdication in 1917. In this capacity, the Emperor regularly wore the regiment’s uniform and headgear during parades, manoeuvres and official ceremonies, as evidenced by several photographs from the period (see illustration). His imperial monogram ‘Н II’ (Nicholas II in the Cyrillic alphabet) also appeared on the regiment’s epaulettes and was incorporated into several of its emblems, reflecting the personal bond that united the sovereign with this elite unit of the Guard. The Pavlovsky Guard Regiment, heir to the grenadiers established in 1796 during the reign of Paul I, was also among the most prestigious units of the Russian Imperial Guard. Its bravery during the Napoleonic campaigns, notably at Friedland (1807) and during the Patriotic War of 1812, earned it an exceptional reputation. In recognition of its military exploits, the regiment retained its famous grenadier’s cap until the end of the Empire; some of its plates deliberately bore the bullet holes received in battle, a privilege unique within the Imperial Army. Upon the accession of Nicholas II on 2 November 1894, he became the regiment’s patron (шеф), a title he retained until his abdication in 1917. In this capacity, the Emperor wore the regiment’s regulation uniform and headgear during parades, military reviews and official ceremonies, thereby perpetuating the tradition whereby Russian sovereigns served as honorary commanders of the oldest units of the Imperial Guard.
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About the sale Russian Art – Mr G’s Collection – Part 3
Auction location
Auction time 09/18/2026 at 11:00 AM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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