Nicholas II Commemorative Coronation Beaker. Enamel over copper, made in Russia, no maker's marks. Decorated with the doubled-headed eagle on one side and the cipher of Tsar Nicholas II on the other side with the date 1896 below. Red and blue decoration with gold banding around the top and bottom. These have become known as 'Bloody cups' or 'Cups of Sorrow'. They were given out as presents during a coronation celebration fete attended allegedly by over half a million people. Given together with the cup was a napkin that held a pirog, or small pie. As the gifts were being distributed, the crowds surged forward pushing many helpless people into a pit dug out specifically for crowd control. An estimated 2,000 people died.
Several chips and scratches. Fading and stains. Mineral deposit inside (hard water?). See close ups below. One of the most sought after souvenirs from the reign of Nicholas II and Alexandra. Sorry, sold. [#5AO]
Royal Russia Page | How to Order
