1800 RUSSIAN IMPERIAL ARMY CZAR REGIMENT BANNER FLAG Start Price USD 69,000.00 Current Price USD 69,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Saturday, November 15, 2008 End Time Monday, December 15, 2008 Location Boston, MA See more about '1800 RUSSIAN IMPERIAL ARMY CZAR REGIMENT BANNER FLAG' Description YOU ARE BIDDING on extremely rare genuine and 100% original Russian Imperial army's model 1800 "Color" regimental banner of elite Life-Guards Regiments which was possibly used during the Napoleonic Wars. Description: This banner is of such extreme rarity, that it is most likely the only Russian Imperial banner of this type in a private collection. Theoretically, it could of belonged to any of the three Life-Guards regiments existed at the time: Preobrazhensky, Semenovsky or Izmailovsky. According to our calculation -- only 50 of this type of regimental banners ever existed. Amazingly, this banner survived in practically ideal condition which is almost impossible for this type of painted banners. * Made of multi-color silk with painted design. * 144 cm x 146 cm (56 1/2 in x 57 1/2 in) * We unconditionally guarantee this item to be genuine for life. Condition: Very good original condition, showing very minor wear. Practically 100% of original material and most of the original paint (most of the blue color did not survive due to the short longevity of the blue pigment used at the time). A Bit of History: In 1797, Russian Emperor Pavel 1 instituted new type of banners for Army regiments. Every regiment received one "White" banner and several "Color" banners. (We have to assume - one "Color" banner per each platoon) In 1800, after changes in structure of the Army were made, the design of the banner was changed significantly. The cross, corner and the central medallion were kept, but corners became more narrow and a monogram of the Emperor was added. The Imperial eagle was also changed -- now it was sited in half-profile holding lightning bolts in its claws. (In almost exact copy of the Prussian eagle). Under the eagle the legend was placed "GOD WITH US" on the front of the banner and "BLISS" on the back side of the banner. The Life-Guards banners differ by the monograms of the Emperor made from the two crossed letters "P" surmounted by two crowns. All three Life-Guards regiments received the same banner with the only difference in the color of the flag pole. Prior to Pavel 1, each new Russian emperor, after coming to power, discarded all army's regalia, bestowed by the previous ruler. Pavel changed this rule by issuing the following verdict in 1797: "From now on, all flags and banners serve indefinitely." This fact allows us to conclude that the auctioned banner was used even after the death of Pavel 1 and quite possibly even during the Napoleonic Wars of 1805-1814. Provenance: This banner comes from a private collection of many years in Europe. Reference: Original regulation drawing for model 1800 Regimental banner for Life-Guards regiments: GUARANTEED TO BE GENUINE FOR LIFE PLEASE READ INFORMATION BELOW BEFORE PLACING A BID: Shipping and Handling: $250 worldwide METHODS OF PAYMENT: * Bank Wire Transfer * Bank Certified Check * There is a possibility of receipt of the payment in Russia * Please contact me prior to bidding for approval if you would like to pay in a way not indicated here **** NO PERSONAL CHECKS PLEASE**** Payment must be made in U.S. funds within 10 days of notification. Feel free to e-mail me with any questions before placing a bid. Item is shipped upon receipt of the payment, feedback left upon completion of the transaction. Place a Bid!