2018 Russian Royal Order Ornament
$40.00
2018 Russian Royal Order Ornament
During his 1881 World Tour, King Kalakaua had inteded to visit Imperial Russia. Sadly, this was not meant to be as Czar Alexander ll was assassinated. For his saftey, and to respect a netion in mourning, King Kalakaua cancelled his planned trip to the country.
In 1883, King Kalakaua sent a diplomatic delegation including Curtis P. Iaukea, to attend the coronation of Czar Alexander lll of Russia. They presented the newly crowned emperor with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Kamehameha l.
The following year, Czar Alexander lll dispatched the Russian naval warship Razboynik to Honolulu. On board was a gift for King Kalakaua - the Imperial Order of St. Alexander Nevsky. In an accompanying letter, the Czar wrote the Royal Order symbolized a "pledge of the relations of friendship happily established between us and of the sincere esteem which I entertain towards you." King Kalakaua responded, "I am heartily thankful for this fresh and gracious assurance of the cordial relations the exist between your great Empire and my Kingdom.
The Russian royal order, whoose 609 diamonds weigh 16.6 carats, was generously donated to the Frieand sof Iolani Palace by the Estate of Princess Regina (Regina Wahiikaahuula Kawananakoa).
This ornament is an exclusive ʻIolani Palace design.
Made by David Howell & Company (New York)
Solid brass, electro-plated with silver finish
