cast as a solider with drawn sword astride a trotting horse, on a stepped red marble plinth applied with two plaques engraved in Russian, the first 'To the Commander of the 9th Battalion/ the General of the Infantry/ Julius Viktorovich/ Lyubovistky/ 9th Cavalry Division', the second with a list of senior officers, 84 standard

Excellent condition. The horse slightly loose on its plinth. A rifle strap having come loose at one end and with traces of adhesive present, the rifle consequently loose, the sword very slightly bend. The marble plinth with small chips at each corner of the underside and scratches to the underside. The second plaque loose at one corner. The silver model in remarkably good order, with the fine and fragile details still in place.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

In 1905 General Julian V. Lyubovitsky retired from the army to become a member of the State Council of Imperial Russia, the upper house to the State Duma following the October Manifesto.  It is most likely that the present lot was given to him in that year to mark the culmination of an immensely successful military career, and as such serves as a key insight to the figures behind the Russian Imperial political structure in the critical years before 1917. He was responsible for much of the peacetime training of the Imperial army and likely played a prominent role in the selection of the Mosin-Nagant, featured prominently in this figure, as the standard Russian service rifle.

Lyubovitsky completed his education at the 2^nd Cadet Corps on 10 June 1855, in time to serve in the Crimean war of 1853-1856.  By 1881, following the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 and having risen rapidly through the ranks to Major General, Lyubovitsky was highly decorated with the Order of St Anne, 1^st class, the Order of St George, 3^rd and 4^th class, the Order of St Vladimir, 2^nd and 3^rd class and the Order of St Stanislas, 1^st class.  Promoted to General of the Infant꧒ry in 1899, he was awarded the Order of St Alexander Nevsky in 1902 at the age of 66.