What's Up Wednesday (Annual Knight's Meeting 2013)

Sorgenfrei Castle Armoury played host to the 2013 Annual Knight's Meeting last week but this year's meeting had a twist. 

In a break with the precedence set over the last 5 years, this year's meeting only gathered the heads of the various Knighthood Orders. Even the heads of the dormant orders were requested to be represented as a big decision was to be agreed upon and then to be officially announced. It is know agreed that from 2014 the individual Orders will be fully active and to host their own meetings at their own discretion as before the 96 Revolution. Over and above, the heads of the various orders will meet once a year to convene on interchivalric affairs. 

The Armoury at Sorgenfrei was the perfect venue for this "small", quick and intimate gathering. It also serves to promote the castle as a "venue for hire" for other prestigious events.

This photo shows the full contigent of Chivalric Orders represented. From left we have: Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna representing the Ruskian Order of the Polar Star, then Prince Louis D'Pont Du Lac representing the Franconian Order of the Holy Vigil, The Queen of Hispania represented the Order of the Triad, The Grand Duke of Hanoveria represented the Hanoverian Order of the Polar Star, Empress Crystobel and her son the Crown Prince Imperial represented the Order of the Diamond Star, The Princess of Wallachia represented the Order of the Ublient, Queen Gloria represented the Order of the Lake, King Nikolas III represented the Order of the Syldav Cross and finally The Duke of Swann represented the Swanobian Order of the Purple Swann for the first time in over 15 years. 

The Franconian Order of the Holy Vigil, which has been dormant for over 200 years, has had a debate raging over its reinstatement based on history not ever recording the colour of its sash. This meeting also settled that by agreeing on the colour being silver.

The recently rediscovered Imperial Ruby Parure was worn for the first time by Grand Duchess Xenia, Head of the Ruskian branch of the Order of the Polar Star that strictly speaking submits to the Hanoverian branch. She is however afforded an honourary membership as a Head of an Order at these meetings. It was amazing to see these rubies worn for the first time in almost a century. They truly do the glory of the old Ruskian Court justice. 

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (The Crown Jewels of Perlistan)

The ancient Empire of the Shahs of Perlistan commanded great wealth over its thousand year existence but the Empire finally fell along with so many other monarchies after the 96 Revolution. The Crown Jewels of the Shah and his wife Shahbanou Farah did survive albeit it only in part and was kept by the the new and militant Jihad Government of Perlistan. They saw it wise to keep something of their heritage for posterity it seems but perhaps also wanted the permanent show of force that the new government had conquered the old and as such owned and displayed its treasures as trophies. Not all the Crown Jewels were kept, most that were seen as frivolities of the old empire were dismantled and sold, some survived as they escaped with the surviving Imperial Family and some were looted and might forever be lost.

Today's post documents the two main features that survive in Perlistan today. The Crown and Imperial Tiara of the Shah and Shahbanou of Perlistan.

The Crown of the Shah dates back to the early 1700's and is set with sapphires and yellow quartz known as Citrine in the West. It also sports an Imperial Heron Feather that has always been seen as the emblem of the Shah's. 

The Imperial Tiara was made especially for the last Shahbanou to wear to her husband's coronation. It is set with high quality emeralds and yellow diamonds. A necklace and earrings were made to match but their whereabouts are currently unknown.  

These remaining parts of the regalia are kept in the Perlistani Bank and periodically displayed at the Perlistani Museum of History over National Feast times. No photos of the jewellery being worn are publicized in Perlistan and the current Imperial Family in pretense have not made much available to the public. My dream is always to see jewellery like these worn again in some future golden age of Royalty. 

Memory Monday (Imperial Mausoleum)

After the chaos of the 1996 Revolution died down in the former United Empire of Scot-Britania, responsibility for the tragedy had to be taken by relevant authorities. Many were dead as a result of the violence and even more were just plain missing presumed dead and this has remained the official status of many. 

However the remains of the former Emperor Christian I were accounted for and eventually needed burial. International law dictates that all former Heads of State should and will be treated with respect in accordance with their status. Thus Emperor Christian received what was considered an honourable burial albeit that none of the former Imperial Family attended the funeral because of exile or death. This made for quite an ironic funeral and the event was almost entirely swept under the media carpet in 1997 when it eventually took place. No historic footage of the event can be found in any of the Britania archives today. The only evidence of this official funeral is the actual grave site, the Imperial Mausoleum.

The facade of the Imperial Mausoleum.

The tomb of the Emperor, known as the Imperial Mausoleum is situated in the Cosmopolitan Graveyard just outside the capital city of Britania and still attracts many loyal Royalist who bring flowers. It has become an unofficial place of pilgrimage for many who hope for a restoration of the monarchy. Officially Empress Crystobel, who is not allowed on Britania soil due to her exiled status, has never visited her husband's tomb. It has been announced in an unprecedented parliamentary session that the Democratric Government of Britania is not entirely adverse to such an event taking place if the democratic electorate wishes it to take place. 

The mausoleum was designed in the Neo-Classical style by the official government architect already before the revolution broke out and was then hastily completed after the Emperor's death. 

Statuettes of angels stand guard over the dead Emperor on each side of the vault doors. 

Two more angels also endure there permanent vigil just below the pediment proudly displaying the Imperial Motto: "A Treasure Lost is a Treasure found", written in Latin. 

Even though the political atmosphere has officially been one of animosity, it seems that the hearts of the new generation of  Britanians might require their government to also soften their attitude towards allowing a widow to visit her husband's final resting place. This obviously has the potential to let some skeletons out of the closet but it equally affords an opportunity to just open doors to a bright new future. We will see who has the compunction to take the necessary risks. 

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (Sorgenfrei Armoury)

Today's Tiaras and Trinkets Tuesday takes a distinctly masculine turn by posting on armour and swords rather than jewellery. These are obviously as linked to Royalty as Crowns and Tiaras but shows the more manly and governmental side of the picture. The only difference is that historic jewels are still worn today where many of these articles have not been worn for centuries. 

Sorgenfrei Castle Museum already displays the Imperial Crown jewels and it also has a permanent exhibit dedicated to the history of the region of Muren. Now the Castle Museum will open its new Armoury as a permanent exhibit. 

The Armoury Room in Sorgenfrei Castle aims to be one of the main attractions to tourists and history scholars alike. The large venue will also be able to be rearranged for special functions that might require a more medieval feel. 

The center of the main wall is dedicated to the armour of King Charles the IX of Franconia who was the only invader to successfully subdue Muren in the Middle Ages but his occupation lasted no longer than 6 months. The armour is on special loan for the opening exhibit from the Franconian Museum of History. 

His Imperial Highness, The Crown Prince Imperial, Prince Christian-Victor stands amongst the many suits of armour on display. These did not all belong to famous historic figures but some just exemplify the style and craftsmanship of a particular era. Many of the Royal Dynasties are also represented by their heraldic insignia or crests depicted on actual shields on the walls of the Armoury. 

The entire display however does have a pre-eminent piece that serves as the focal point. The Imperial Sword of St Victor has the prime spot right in the center of the room. Originally the sword belonged to the legendary King Victor of Britania and was declared the official ceremonial sword of the Empire. As such it is officially part of the Crown Jewels of the United Empire of Scot-Britania.

The starkly elegant yet clearly sharp and dangerous Sword of St. Victor is an impressive sight but is also imbued with history and symbolises the unity between Scotney and Britania as it was a gift from the King of Scotney to that of Britania. It was then subsequently used in wars against Scotney but reverted back to Scotney after defeats and then eventually bestowed again as a sign of piece and eventually became the Imperial Coronation Sword.

It is announced also officially that this year's Annual Knights Gathering will take place at Sorgenfrei Castle late in June 2013. The Crown Prince Imperial also announced his delight and excitement at receiving the Duke of Swann and his Rolls Royce within the next few weeks. The car is planned to become a big attraction at the museum and will be on loan to couples getting married at the castle. 

Wonderful Weekends (State Portrait of the Duchess of Swann 1995)

Posting State Portraits on a Sunday has become a tradition on this blog but it has been happening less and less of late. State Portraits are not taken often but also due to the 96 Revolution we are bereft of years of none being taken and many that were taken before the revolution were destroyed amongst many other Royal symbols. So we attempt to post them as often as possible and today is a very special post indeed. 

His Royal Highness the Duke of Swann has decided to release a portrait taken of his mother, the late Duchess of Swann, into the public sphere. This portrait was taken late in 1995 originally to celebrate the Duchess' then 35th birthday but due to the 96 Revolution was never released to the public. The portrait became a very emotional and private reminder to the current Duke of Swann of the mother he lost. 

The Duke of Swann is now releasing the portrait in commemoration of the life of his mother and to display a strong sense of forgiveness towards the atrocities of the revolution. In a sense it is now clear that it is water under the bridge. We hope that this portrait serves to do the Duchess' memory honour but also that it serves to inspire everybody who sees it, that forgiveness serves us better than nursing bitter grudges. 

Her Royal Highness, the late Princess Elizabeth, the Duchess of Swann 1960-1996. This portrait shows the Duchess posed in the throne room of the Duke's Court Palace wearing the official Coronet of the Duchess Consort of Swann. She stands in front of the throne of the Dukes of Swann. 

This close-up portrait shows the Duchess's beauty and also the historic jewels. As a Princess of Scotney by birth it was appropriate for her to wear the Order of the Diamond Star with it's red sash tipping her head to her country of origin. 

What's Up Wednesday (Syldavia Declares Elected Monarchy)

The Syldavian region has had a history of contention and war. Its topography has made it possible for many different independent regions to form at various times, eventually congealing into proper autonomous "kingdoms". However, the Germanic people group remains a generic majority that prevails throughout the area and even spills over into other nations like the Switzer Confederacy that has never been an official part of the greater Syldavia. This particular issue is in essence what led to the Great War and the fall of the Germanic Empire that sought to unite the Germanic people into a single nation. One of the causes of the war was the subjecgation of minority states like Serbieski that is not intrinsically Germanic but who have always lived within what became the Germanic Empire.

Last year saw Syldavia restore its monarchy in the form of a hereditary Kingdom as was he case with its original monarchy. It was a coincidence that the headship fell on the head of one of the traditional Germanic Noble Families, the Von Bismarcks. However contention still reigns as far has Sebieski is concerned. The general feeling is still unsatisfied that Serbieski should just submit to "Germanic" rule in the form of the new Syldavia. Other minority groups are in agreement which causes a rift to form separating the burgeoning kingdom in two. A very important conclusion to the political debate has been reached this week after a national referendum.

It is announced from the offices of King Nikolas III and the Prime Minister of Syldavia that hence forth Syldavia will remain a Kingdom with King Nikolas III as "King for life". The monarchy will convert from its current hereditary succession to an elected succession with immediate effect. This means that consecutive  Monarchs will be elected from the congregation of Noble and Royal Dynasties within the traditional borders of what is now Syldavia. Therefore the Heads of the Houses of Serbieski, Bo'hemia, Von Thurn und Taxis, Von Bismarck and Reichethal will be eligible for election as "Monarch for life" upon the death of the former Monarch. Each House will follow its own house laws on succession. 

The elected monarchical system will allow a fair chance for all the traditional monarchies to feel included in the rulership of Syldavia. Officially the Congregation of Dynastic heads will be known as the Syldavian Electorate and will also serve as the Kings Ruling Council. It stands to reason that this system never allows for an actual Royal Family to exist as only the King and his wife will fall within that category. This means that King Nikola's younger sister and brother only had the title of Royal Prince for the past year and will revert back to their inherited Von Bismarck titles. The Von Bismarck Family is quoted to be "...very happy to do whatever it takes to serve the nation of Syldavia."

King Nikolas III of Syldavia and his wife Queen Maxima are the first reigning couple of the newly restored Syldavia. Now a year later it is unanimously agreed in parliament and by each member province that the monarchy will follow the elected monarchy system where each time a monarch dies, the new King will be elected from the assembled Heads of the provincial Noble and Royal Dynasties. 

We hope that this latest political moves brings a final peace and continues the prosperity the nation of Syldavia has experienced since it Royal Restoration. We also hope to see more of the sometimes elusive Dynasties from the historic regions within Syldavia.

Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday (Hanoverian Container List of Jewellery Contents)

A mysterious container was handed over to the Duke of Swann on his State Visit to Hanoveria. The Grand Duke of Hanoveria, the Duke of Swann's cousin, discovered the container in the basement of a warehouse building earmarked for restoration and refurbishment as modern apartments.

SNN Lifestyle Feature Reporter Kitty Spice joined the Duke of Swann at his private residence in Hanoveria to discuss the story surrounding the container and its history and of course to report to the international public on the great "reveal"of its contents. Inside the now famous container was found a 1909 Rolls Royce discovered to be the property of the Duke of Swann's Great Grandfather and a sealed chest.

This sealed solid oak trunk was also found inside the container and it was agreed to open it separately as its contents might also be of historical significance.

What has been called the "Find of the Century" revealed a spectacular historical treasure. The long thought lost Crown Jewels of Ruskiana saw the light for the first time in over 70 years. In amongst the official crowns was as yet many other pieces of spectacular historic jewels. In this photo the Imperial Crown, an Iconic Cross in red pearls and some tiaras are clearly visible. The current pretender to the Ruskian Imperial throne and the Ruskian government were officially informed of the find and was allowed to participate in the investigation as to how the jewellery ended up in a forgotten warehouse. Today's post will reveal all the findings so far as to the exact contents of the chest and exactly how the story transpired. Let us take a look at the contents.

The primary piece of jewellery must be the historic and intrinsically valuable Imperial Crown of Ruskiana. It was made in 1789 by the Court Jeweler Bolinovich from Gold, Silver, Rubies and exceptionally large and valuable Diamonds.

The Ruskian peasants revered their monarchy and imbued it with an almost avatar-like status. Thus the Crown of the Tzar was seen as a holy object. When the Revolution broke out the military staged coup sought to procure the Crowns for propaganda purposes to prove to the people that the Tzar was just a man and that God had obviously no role in human society. The Crowns however went missing and were rumoured to have been taken during the chaos of Revolution by a group of monks who served the Tzar and his court in secret. This story became an almost folkloric myth and the whereabouts of the Crowns were entrusted to the "hands of God". The superstitious belief ingrained itself in the Ruskian rural peasant community who claimed that the Crown will resurface at the right time and proclaim a new Age of Kings. It is now clear that the Duke of Swann on tour in Europa in 1909-1910 managed to smuggled the Crown Jewels out of Ruskiana with the help of the Imperial Family just before the War and Revolution could lead to their destruction. 

The smaller Consort Crown of the Empress or Mother's Crown as it is affectionately termed was made as and indeed is seen as a smaller version of the Imperial Crown. It too was clandestinely procured from the Imperial Family for its salvation from increasing danger incited by anti-monarchists factions during the Great War. The crowns as Symbols of State are considered the property of the people of Ruskiana and will be returned to their native land to be entered into a museum exhibit in honour of the history of Ruskiana.

This Ruby Parure consisting of a sumptuous tiara set with diamonds and very large rubies, earrings and a brooch was thought to have been lost to history as no records of it exists in the archived catalogue of the Bolshevik Government who annexed whatever remained of the Imperial Jewels after the revolution. It was presumed like many pieces of jewelry to have merely been looted by soldiers but legends abound of servants and monks who hid pieces of sentimental or religious significance in the hope of an Imperial Restoration. The picture above shows the more fashionable aspects of the Imperial Rubies but the set includes another pair of earrings, two necklaces and a pectoral cross  employing very rare red pearls and cabochon ruby beads shown in the picture below. The large cross suspended from the necklace was a famous icon said to employ red pearls that gained their colour from being dyed in the wine that was made from water in one of Christ's miracles. This legend might have led spesifically to the Duke of Swann saving it for posterity. 

The more religious and traditional uncut ruby beads and iconic cross from the Imperial Ruby Parure. The Rubies are considered officially the property of Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna as the legal claimant to the inheritance of the last Tzar of Ruskiana.

This tiara was completely unknown to history upon its discovery in the chest. This was due to no memory or photo being known to anybody connected with the Ruskian Court of old. It is clearly Ruskian in style and being found in the trunk with the Imperial Crown Jewels means that it is significant enough to have some records somewhere. Some historic research from jewellery manufacturing archives and lists or inventories made by prominent Royals lead to a gemological link. A diary entry made by the Count Tolstoievski mentioned his intent to have a set of jewellery made from exceptional sapphires unearthed in the mine in his local town of Toltstoi. Gemological testing of the sapphires by the Duke of Swann in his Johannesburg Jewellery Workshops revealed there origin to be from the mine in the region of Tolstoi. Sapphires of this quality and size are extremely rare so general concencus is that they are the ones referred to in the diary. Final proof was found when the current Countess Tolstoievski produced a design sketch found amongst her grandmother's personal affects of the set made by a Pariseum jeweller in 1905. The sapphires will be returned to their rightful owners.

These emerald earring eluded all efforts to be identified. The Ruskian Government and the Countess Tolstoievski are in agreement that all unidentified pieces of the find will be sold at auction to raise money for a Ruskian charity of the choice of Grand Duchess Xenia Alexandrovna, the pretender to the Imperial Throne of Ruskiana.

Many tiaras were made at the turn of the last century and at that stage the saturation of design overflow lead to some jewellers to experiment with "new" ideas in order to keep clients interested. This led to the development of a specific look called "Tutti-Fruiti". The frivolous and colourful look is not everybody's cup of tea and considered to suit the slightly eccentric or bold. However its playful employ of rubies, sapphires, emeralds and diamonds in combination is not entirely ugly and worn by the right person makes for a very effective display. This set could also not be traced to a particular owner and as such will be sold at auction.

That includes the entire list of this truly miraculous find. We look forward to report on the auction and also on the eventual display of the historic jewels in Ruskiana. We are also excited about seeing the Imperial Rubies blazing on the head of Grand Duchess Xenia as soon as she deems fit to wear her fortunate inheritance.

Wonderful Weekends (Duke of Swann Business Trip Arrival in South Africania)

The Duke of Swann owns a small jewellery manufacturing company in South Africa. After the amazing discovery of the Ruskian Crown Jewels last week he decided to employ his own business in the testing of the unknown sapphires found  among the treasure. If the sapphires can be identified gemonologically then the mine of origin could help in tracking down the owners if there indeed are legal claimants. For this purpose The Duke of Swann traveled to South Africania. The trip was made unofficially and incognito for security purposes, not just for his own safety but also for the sake of the valuable historic sapphires.

His Royal Highness stayed in a small Bed-and-Breakfast in the posh Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg and felt that his two day stay was of such quality that he wanted to share it here on his blog.

Whenever a high profile Royal gets to travel about unrecognized in a foreign country they like to act as "normal" as possible. For this reason the Duke of Swann takes the opportunity to drive himself.

This security camera photo shows His Royal Highness unceremoniously arriving at the Bed-and-Breakfast.

The Bed-and-Breakfast in Bryanston Johannesburg, is 20min drive away from the jewellery workshop and school that the Duke of Swann owns. The humble small business is managed by his childhood friend and artist Daniel Swanepoel who also teaches hobbyists jewellery manufacture. 

The beautiful and friendly Beatrix Coetsee is the proprietor and manager of 5 Lime Street Bed-and Breakfast. She is a close friend of Daniel Swanepoel and as such came highly recommended to the Duke of Swann. She has operated the bed-and-breakfast since 2011 and the Duke of Swann has decided to support her every time a trip to Johannesburg is required. 

For more info, visit the link http://www.5limestrbnb.co.za/.

It's Autumn in South Africa at present but that did not diminish the beautiful and spacious garden.

The warm autumn sun was a welcome companion in the cool afternoon.

Breatrix Coetsee's friendly and professional service, served to only make the afternoon and indeed the entire trip a total pleasure.

The bedrooms at the bed-and-breakfast are neat, simple and down to earth perfect for the quick no nonsense business trip.

When you sleep you are not conscious of your surroundings especially if the surroundings are as calm and inviting as these. However a luxurious spacious bathroom is best appreciated by the tired businessman. The bathrooms at 5 Lime Street are just what the doctor ordered.

The cherry on the cake of any visit, a cup of quality blended tea. This was on hand the second the Duke settled in after his arrival. 

Feel free to check out the 5 Lime Street  webpage. If you need accommodation in Johannesburg book on line. 

http://www.5limestrbnb.co.za/

What's Up Wednesday (Prince Valmont D'Pont Du Lac Visits Grand Duchess of Hanoveria)

Prince Valmont D'Pont Du Lac and the Duchess of Roswind have come to the last league of their honeymoon and decided to spend two days with the Prince's cousin who could not attend their nuptials. After their State Portrait stint with the Duchess'cousin, Queen Gloria in Normandia, they joined the Grand Duchess of Hanoveria at the Royal Palace in the Hanoverian capital.

The Prince and the Grand Duchess of Hanoveria are first cousins and she could regrettably not attend  the wedding in Muren two weeks ago. The Royal Family of Hanoveria were hosting a State Visit from the Duke of Swann at the time. 

The newlyweds spent some private family time with the Grand Duchess but also made an incognito tour of the city while there. However they did attend a small formal dinner hosted by the Grand Duchess and allowed press photos. 

The Duchess of Roswind wore her new sapphires that she received as an engagement present to the formal dinner. 

From here on it is back to the grind stone. The Duchess has many business obligations and the Prince has to deal with his many responsibilities. There are talks of some business amalgamations with the greater Van der Bilt holdings of which the Duchess and Queen Gloria are major shareholders. Some dealings with Arc International are also being negotiated.

Memory Monday (Hanoverian Container, Content Revealed)

A mysterious container was handed over to the Duke of Swann on his State Visit to Hanoveria. The Grand Duke of Hanoveria, the Duke of Swann's cousin, discovered the container in the basement of a warehouse building earmarked for restoration and refurbishment as modern apartments.

SNN Lifestyle Feature Reporter Kitty Spice joined the Duke of Swann at his private residence in Hanoveria to discuss the story surrounding the container and its history and of course to report to the international public on the great "reveal"of its contents.

Royalty and History are seemingly inextricably linked. Today we see that reality as it will manifest before our eyes. Schloss Schwanstein is the idyllic setting on this amazing spring morning for a modern fairy tale to be revealed.

Miss Kitty Spice introduces the days events.

The truck carrying the container prepares to enter the Duke's property.

The truck transporting the container arrived at Schloss Schwanstein a few minutes late. The Duke of Swann waited, visibly excited, alongside the Head Curator of his International Art and Historic Artifact Collections, Marelize Von Engelbrecht.

There was an audible gasp even from the media crew as the contents of the container was brought out into the light of day for the first time in half a century.

The container revealed a 1909 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. To put it in the Duke of Swann's own words, ..."an absolute childhood fantasy made real..."

A close-up of the antique car.

The  Rolls Royce is an exceptional historic find purely as it is an extremely rare vehicle. It is in extremely good shape and the Duke's mechanics assure him that it will be in perfect working order within a week. The car was revealed by paperwork found in its cubbyhole, to have been made for the current Duke of Swann's grandfather. He took ownership of it before the great war and it was caught on the Europan mainland as the war broke out. More historic research will have to be done to find more specific details but Rolls Royce official records concur that this model was indeed made for the said Duke of Swann in 1909.

The car was not the only contents of the container. A sealed solid oak trunk was also found inside and it was agreed to open that inside the house.

Searching the Duke of Swann's archives quickly revealed old photos of the car his grandfather ordered and also his intent to drive it on a private tour of Europa. The car and the initial stages of the tour was realized but cut short by the Great War.

An archive photo, taken at the Rolls Royce showroom in Fulco De'Este where the Duke of Swann took delivery of his new car.

The current Duke of Swann's Grandfather arrives at a Ruskian military parade in his honour in his Rolls Royce. This photo was taken just before the outbreak of the Great War and it currently hangs in Schloss Schwanstein where he died after being killed in the war leaving his baby boy and wife behind and the Principality being ruled by a Regency.

This spectacular photo shows the historic car and its contemporary owner. The Duke of Swann has announced that he will have the car fully restored and intends to take a tour of Europa in honour of his grandfather. He then intends to have it on permanent display at Sorgenfrei Castle as part of the Crown Prince Imperial's Museum of History but to also make it available as a wedding car for Royalty and Nobility making use of Sorgenfrei as their wedding venue.

We leave the Rolls Royce in its new temporary home in the garage at Schloss Schwanstein and we move on to the next reveal.

The room chosen for the opening of the chest was the Duke of Swann's private lounge.

Here His Royal Highness shows us the framed historic photo of his young grandfather and the Rolls Royce. The picture ironically hangs in the same room where the contents of the chest will be revealed.

Miss Kitty Spice makes the necessary commentary on camera as the Duke, with the help of his curator and butler prepare to open the box.

The ancient box is made of solid oak and weighs at least 200kg.

Again a shocked gasp was expressed by everybody in the room when the dazzling contents saw the light for the first time in over 70 years. The long thought lost Crown Jewels of Ruskiana was covered by as yet many unidentified other pieces of spectacular historic jewels. In this photo the Imperial Crown, an Iconic Cross in red pearls and some tiaras are clearly visible.

The Duke of Swann is seen here holding the Empress Consort of Ruskiana's Crown.

Historians, archivists and perhaps even lawyers will now have the job of uncovering the story behind the forgotten Royal shipment and in uniting the rightful owners with their property.

It is clear that the chaos surrounding the outbreak of the Great War halted the process of shipment and also lead to the container being "forgotten" in the Hanoverian warehouse. The Duke of Swann's grandfather obviously also died before he could reveal anything about his container and it's secret contents. It may be safely assumed that a clandestine plan was underway to save the jewels from the possible destruction the war could wreak on them.

A full detailed report of the contents of the chest will be featured on the blog in the next few weeks on a Tiaras and Trinkets on Tuesday Post. Some pieces will inevitably have undisputed ownership and be returned but controversy will abound and some lesser known pieces might end up on the auction block. Please keep your eyes peeled for the full story as it is revealed.