A Russian Imperial enamel car badge

A Russian Imperial enamel car badge, of shield shape decorated with Tsar Nicholas II's coat of arms, with the crowned double headed eagle and with a red enamel shield of St. George and the dragon, late 19th / early 20th century, 14.2 x 10cm, in a later glazed gilt frame.

Provenance:

By family repute this belonged to Mr Charles Preston an American hero who during the First World War was engaged in amazing exploits including exchanging gold for platinum on behalf of the US government. Charles Preston was a fur trader and travelled extensively throughout Russia during the late 19th century. He was a personal friend of Tsar Nicholas II and raced the Tsar's cars at various events in the early 20th century. This badge was given to Mr Preston by the Tsar.

Property from a deceased estate.