2-914-113 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Russian Amulet, 1854. One of the amulets worn by 'Muscovite soldiers...who fell at [the Battle of the] Alma...It consists of a small pewter locket, the workmanship very rude. The most prominent figure on the outside is a cress, surrounded with Russian characters. A small piece of wood attached by a string shows the remains of a Greek Cross, in the centre of which a metallic Roman cross appears to have been inlaid. On one leaf of the inside a rude figure of the Virgin and Child has been stamped, with two devout figures praying to her. On the other side the artist appears to have represented a Christ; but, either from the effects of time or rough usage, the lineaments of the countenance are not very well pronounced'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.