
Codie Lyons
Associate Specialist
Sold for US$69,062.50 inc. premium
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Please note, title should read A RUSSIAN ENAMEL, SILVER, AND CRYSTAL TEA SERVICE
Julian B. Hubbell (1847-1929) was the first American Red Cross Chief Field Agent and a close friend of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross. Hubbell directed the day-to-day relief operations for the organization, while also participating in the field work when necessary. Beginning at the organization's founding in 1881 to his resignation in 1904, Hubbell worked nationally and internationally to alleviate suffering after calamitous events such as the 1888 Mount Vernon cyclone, the 1896 Armenian and Turkish famine, and the 1899 Cuban post war recovery. In 1892, Hubbell traveled to Russia during that country's devastating famine, organizing and distributing aid to the people.
This tea set was presented to Julian B. Hubbell of the American Red Cross as a gift from Russian Prince Cantacuzène. The gift was presented by the Prince at the Imperial Legation in Washington on 27 May 1893, following the ceremonies on board the Man of War on the day of the Coronation of Their Majesties. The set is accompanied with a 1893 letter to Hubbell from Prince Catacuzène, thanking him for his philanthropic aid to the suffering Russian population. It also includes a 1892 letter to Hubbell from his brother, Charles Hubbell, desiring to give more aid to the Russians.
Kirill (Karl) Fyodorovich Albrecht was appointed as the Russian Court's supplier in the late 19th century.
Please note, title should read A RUSSIAN ENAMEL, SILVER, AND CRYSTAL TEA SERVICE