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You get the exact LOT of 9 photos in the listing images.
Antique Russian Imperial & Émigré Family Photographs – Lot of 9 – Petroff Archive
Offered is a fascinating collection of 9 vintage and antique photographs originating from the Nicholas Petroff Family Archive, featuring Russian family portraits, historical military-era imagery, and elegant mid-20th-century wedding photographs.
The collection is believed to include photographs associated with Alexander Sergeevich Petroff (1890–1965), father of Nicholas Petroff, and his extended family or personal acquaintances.
Alexander Petroff was a Russian-born engineer who emigrated following the Russian Revolution and eventually settled in the United States, where he worked in the aviation industry, including with Sikorsky.
These photographs offer an intriguing glimpse into Russian family history spanning the Imperial Russian era, the revolutionary and émigré periods, and the postwar decades.
Collection Includes – 9 Photographs
Imperial Russian Portrait: Small decorative portrait depicting Emperor Nicholas II in military dress with decorations and medals. Appears to be a reproduction of a historical portrait; age and original production method unverified.
Early Russian Military-Era Portrait: Vintage photograph showing two men, one wearing a military-style uniform, possibly from the early to mid-20th century.
Antique Russian Gentleman Portrait: Early photographic portrait of a mustached gentleman wearing a high-collared tunic. Reverse bears a handwritten Russian inscription dated November 25, 1913, referencing Orenburg.
Formal Wedding Ceremony: Black-and-white photograph showing a bride and groom accompanied by attendants.
Wedding Reception Gathering: Photograph showing a large gathering of formally dressed guests seated at tables.
Wedding Group Portrait: Large gathering of family members and guests surrounding a seated bride.
Bridal Preparation Photograph: Bride wearing a traditional wedding gown and veil while another woman adjusts her clothing.
Bridal Mirror Photograph: Bride photographed in front of a mirror, displaying her elaborate gown and veil.
Wedding Processional Photograph: Bride in wedding attire accompanied by formally dressed individuals.
Historical Russian Inscriptions
Two photographs contain particularly interesting handwritten inscriptions in Russian.
1913 Russian Inscription – Orenburg
The reverse of an early portrait includes a handwritten dedication dated November 25, 1913, referencing Orenburg Governorate.
English translation:
"In fond memory to my friend Shura. From November 25, 1913. Sincere greetings to remember me by! Orenburg Governorate, Orenburg."
The inscription features pre-revolutionary Russian spelling conventions, including the historical use of the hard sign (ъ).
The name Shura is a familiar diminutive of Alexander, making this inscription particularly interesting in connection with Alexander Petroff.
1959 Russian Inscription – Luga
Another photograph bears a handwritten Russian dedication dated 1959, referencing the city of Luga.
English translation:
"In lasting memory to my friend and little brother, my photograph taken with my family. Dear Brother, I will of course never forget you in life until the end of my days. City of Luga, 1959."
These personal inscriptions provide valuable historical context and possible clues to the relationships represented within the collection.
Petroff Family Archive Provenance
All 9 photographs were recovered from the personal family archive of Nicholas Petroff, son of Russian émigré engineer Alexander Petroff. Mr. Petroff was the father of Nadia Petrova Gardiner, actress and wife of Hollywood legend Reginald Gardiner.
Alexander Sergeevich Petroff was born in Moscow in 1890 and left Russia following the Russian Revolution. He immigrated to the United States in 1923 and subsequently worked in engineering, including employment associated with Sikorsky aviation.
The Petroff family archive contains historical photographs, correspondence, Russian documents, and other materials documenting Russian family life, emigration, and connections between Russia and the United States.
These photographs are individuals connected to Alexander Petroff's family, friends, or extended social circle. Individual identities have not been independently verified.
Two photographs feature handwritten Russian inscriptions on their reverses.
Photographs vary in size. Please refer to the ruler in the listing photographs for approximate dimensions.
Collector Interest
An appealing historical grouping for collectors of:
Imperial Russian and pre-revolutionary photography
Russian émigré history and genealogy
Antique and vintage family photographs
Early 20th-century Russian military-era portraits
Russian Orthodox and diaspora family history
Vintage wedding photography
Original Russian handwritten inscriptions
Petroff family archival material
An opportunity to acquire a small historical photographic grouping preserved together within a documented Russian émigré family archive.
Will ship safely as always.
