Exceptionally Rare and Highly Important Antique Russian Armorial Glass Plate

By the Imperial Glass Factory, St. Petersburg, circa 1832

The center of the plate is engraved on the reverse with the coat of arms of Prince Kochubey

Diameter 9 5/8 in. (24,5 cm)

Condition: overall excellent, no chips, no cracks, some minor scratches under the base

Ornate armorial shield with double headed Imperial eagle in the center beneath Russian princely crown is being held by a lion with a club and an Ukrainian Cossack with a banner.

Ancestors of Prince Kochubey were noble nomadic Tatars in the Southern Russia. The name translates from the Turkic as Nomadic Prince, Kochu (Nomadic) and Bey (prince). In the 17th century, Kochubeys moved to Ukraine and became Christians. By the end of the century, Kochubeys were the most powerful family in Ukraine.

This particular armorial belongs to Victor Pavlovich Kochubey (1768 – 1834). Count and Prince of the Russian Empire.

Count Kochubey received the title of PRINCE from czar Nicholas I on December 6, 1831. The Imperial eagle in the center signifies Kochubey’s high official status. The service with the new princely armorial was commissioned around 1832.
In the late 18th century, during the reign of Catherine II, Kochubey served at various diplomatic missions in Sweden, England, and Turkey. 1801 – Senator and member of the State Council, 1802-1807 and 1819-1825 – Minister of Internal Affairs, 1827 to 1833 – Chairman of the State Council, 1834 – Chancellor of Russia.

Prince Victor Kochubey c.1834