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Antique photo of three Caucasian cantonists

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:70.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Antique photo of three Caucasian cantonists
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Antique photo of three Caucasian cantonists, mounted on original cardboard, handwritting on the reverse describing the man on the left in the photographed as Gershon Azayf, mother's brother. In reasonable condition: photo is worn; foxing and yellowing to cardboard. Dimensions of photo: 10x13 cm. * The cantonists (?????????? in Russian, ?????????? in Yiddish) were children taken by the 19th century Russian authorities and to recieve military education until they got older and were recruited to the armed forces. During the reign of Czar Nicholas I, Jews were also found among the cantonists, and were forced by the authorities to convert to Christianity. The latter were called Nikolai's soldiers (in Russian: ???????????? ???????). The cantonist system was abolished by Alexander II on August 26, 1856.