This is a model to celebrate the arrival of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia into France in 1896, coinciding with the Russian - French military alliance? It is a diorama, made in France perhaps by CBG Mignot (unsigned); normally these articles were made on commission by individuals or department stores. The composition inside is in a sealed box, with a glass front on a wooden structure, closed by silk tape, and with a wall-hanger behind. The inside back wall of the model, divided into 4 horizontal sections, has painted images of the Arc de Triomphe, La Madelaine, a sea scene and a garden scene. In front are around 90 painted lead figures, of French infantry, zoaves and Russian ceremonial military dress. Accompanying them is a carriage, canons, ships on a backdrop of flags, trees, lampposts. This is a highly collectable, museum-quality piece. Preferably to be picked up in Paris, but can also be sent