Imperial Russia Soldier Cabinet Photo 1912 Vladikavkaz Alexandropol Inscribed For Sale

1 x Original antique cabinet card photograph, Imperial Russia, dated 1912
Size: approx. 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 in (10.8 x 16.5 cm), photo mounted on thick card stock
A studio portrait of a young soldier of the Imperial Russian Army with a moustache, wearing a peaked cap with cockade, a dark tunic with shoulder boards and light stripes (possibly rank stripes), and a belt buckle with the Russian double-headed eagle. The grey mount has gilt lettering \"Khudozhestvennaya Fotografiya\" (Artistic Photography) in pre-reform Russian spelling. There is a photographer\'s signature in the lower right corner of the image, partially legible.

The back has a printed Art Nouveau studio design with lilies and a handwritten ink inscription in Russian, dated 28 October 1912 (Old Style calendar). Translation: \"In memory of our military service and friendly life. I give this as a keepsake to my dear comrade Ivan Rubtsov from Alexei Pavlovich Ch... (surname hard to read). My address: Vladikavkaz, Terek Oblast, Ogorodnaya Street, house No. 24. Alexandropol.\"
Alexandropol is today\'s Gyumri, Armenia, and was an important garrison town of the Russian Empire.

CONDITION

Original antique photograph, over 110 years old. Please note:

• There are surface scuffs and fine scratches on the photo, most visible on the dark uniform area (see close-up photos).
• Small dark spots and white specks are scattered across the image.
• Light age spotting in the background.
• A small dark mark at the lower right corner of the photo print.
• The gilt lettering on the mount is partially rubbed.
• There is edge and corner wear on the mount, with small chips and nicks, especially at the top left corner.
• The back is toned with age spots, light soiling and darkening along the top edge.
• There is a small ink smudge next to the inscription, on the left side.
• The card is intact, with no tears or missing pieces.

PLEASE REVIEW THE PHOTOS

Please review all photos and video carefully, as they are part of the description. Colors may look slightly different depending on your monitor or screen settings.

PERFECT FOR

• Collectors of Imperial Russian military photography
• Researchers of the Russian Army and the Caucasus region before WWI
• Genealogy and family history research (names and address on the back)
• Collectors of antique cabinet cards and studio portraits
• A historical gift for someone with roots in Vladikavkaz, Gyumri or the Caucasus

IMPORTANT

This is an original antique photograph, not a reproduction. Due to its age, it shows natural wear consistent with more than a century of history. Sold as is. Please ask any questions before purchasing.

COMBINED SHIPPING

I combine orders, so you pay shipping only once. Add items to your cart and check out together.

SHIPPING & PACKING

The photograph will be placed in a protective sleeve and packed flat between rigid boards to prevent bending. It ships within the handling time stated in this listing.

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• Brand: Unbranded
• Type: Cabinet Card
• Number of Items in Set: 1
• Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
• Date of Creation: 1910-1919
• Year: 1912
• Subject: Military, Soldier, Portrait
• Theme: Militaria, History
• Region: Russian Empire, Caucasus
• City: Vladikavkaz, Alexandropol (Gyumri)
• Color: Black & White
• Photographic Process: Gelatin Silver
• Size: 4 1/4 x 6 1/2 in (10.8 x 16.5 cm)
• Features: Inscribed, Dated