The lithograph is Number 692 in the series of prints illustrating uniforms of the Russian Army from the Reign of Nicholas I (1825- 1855). Printed in Paris, France in during 1861-62, soon after the Crimean War. Large format: 12 1/2" by 17" [32 X 43cm], image size: 7 1/8" by 9 ¾" [18 X 25cm].This beautifully executed lithograph was printed by the famous Parisian firm of (Joseph) Lemercier and meticulously hand-colored.

The lithograph is in very good condition. Although well over one hundred and fifty years old, the paper it is printed on shows no signs of brittleness and the colors are "fresh as new." There is only very light, barely noticeable foxing on the margins not affecting the image and a single, faint water stain in the lower right corner. Unlike most other prints from the period, there is only a single tiny, 1 cm tear on the right edge, no significant wear otherwise. The imperfections are really minimal on this piece, and they would be covered by a mat when the lithograph is finally framed for display in a living room or a study.

As a side note, the Chevalier Guards Regiment (Кавалергардский полк) was perhaps the most illustrious and prestigious in all of Russian Imperial Guard units. Even for enlisted men, service in such unit was a matter of tremendous pride. Besides the fact that this lithograph is a significant historic document in and of itself, it represents a rare and uniquely affordable opportunity for the collector of items related to the Russian Empire to own and display at home original nineteenth century artwork.