This monumental presentation kovsh, or drinking vessel, was given in 1891 to Prince Vladimir Sergeyevich Obolensky, Hofmarschall to the court of Emperor Alexander III and officer of the Chevalier Guard Regiment. In August of that year, he was elevated to Major General and assigned to the entourage of Alexander III and the military cavalry. A close friend of Alexander III, as well as his aide before his ascent to the throne and his companion on many voyages, Vladimir Sergeyevich Obolensky passed away two months later at the age of 44.
The drinking vessel was executed in Rococo Revival style by Julius Rappoport, the chief silversmith of the St. Petersburg branch of the House of Fabergé. The curled handle is decorated with a two-headed eagle. Identical eagle figures adorned the helmets of Russian guardsmen.