This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2012
Born in 1818 and assassinated in 1881, Prince Alexander (Alexander II) was the eldest son of Czar Nicholas I of Russia and Charlotte of Prussia, daughter of Frederick William III of Prussia and Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. His early life gave little indication of his ultimate potential, and up to the time of his accession in 1855, few imagined that he would be known to posterity as a great reformer. He ascended the throne during the Crimean War (1853–56) and immediately set about negotiating a peace. Influenced by Russia's defeat in the war and by peasant unrest Alexander embarked upon a modernization and reform program. The most important reform was the emancipation of the serfs. Formal document in Russian, signed “Aleksander,” one page, 8.75 x 14, October 30th, 1853. Un-translated document in very fine condition, with extremely minor spotting on the top of the document. Pre-approved with PSA/DNA by a prior auction house.