Born in 1818 and assassinated in 1881, he was the eldest son of Czar Nicholas I of Russia and Charlotte of Prussia, daughter of Frederick William III of Prussia and Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. His early life gave little indication of his ultimate potential, and up to the time of his accession in 1855, few imagined that he would be known to posterity as a great reformer. He ascended the throne during the Crimean War (1853–56) and immediately set about negotiating a peace. Influenced by Russia's defeat in the war and by peasant unrest Alexander embarked upon a modernization and reform program. The most important reform was the emancipation of the serfs. DS, in Russian, signed “Aleksander,” one page, 8.75 x 14, September 5, 1864. Alexander awards the honorable orders of St. Stanislav to two Russian officers from the Georgia/Mingrelik Region, A Sergeant in the Police Force and a Judge & Labor Captain. Nicely signed at the conclusion in black ink. In fine condition, with a couple light pencil marks and horizontal folds. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
