Saffian Leather Boots, Russia, ca. 1855
Men's boots made of red Saffian leather, ca. 1855. Origin: Russia. Very thin sole, without heel, straight shaft. Significant wear, abrasion, faded areas.
The boots have a provenance. With the boots was a handwritten note (on cloth). On it is written: "Boots...Gift from Prince Frederick Carl to Lieutenant von Tutzmerow at Den Garde Hussaren. From a trip from Russia".
Prince Carl of Prussia, full name Friedrich Carl (also spelled Karl) Alexander of Prussia, (b. June 29, 1801 at Charlottenburg Palace near Berlin; † January 21, 1883 in Berlin) was the third son of King Frederick William III and Queen Luise. Carl joined the Prussian army at the age of 10. In 1820 he was a major in the 1st Guards Regiment on foot. 10 years later he took over - already as a general - the 2nd Guards Division. Over many more rungs of the career ladder he eventually became Generalfeldzeugmeister and Chief of Artillery of the Prussian Army. Throughout his life, Carl remained close to his favorite sister Charlotte. Since she was the wife of Tsar Nicholas I, he often traveled to Russia. This also strengthened relations between the German and Russian empires. He brought these boots from one of these trips, perhaps wore them himself and then later gave them to Lieutenant Tutzmerov.
Height: ~ 27 cm
Length: ~ 28 cm
