When Tsar Nicholas II of Russia abdicated on March 15, 1917 he lost untold personal riches for he and his family – in a census he described his occupation as ‘owner of the Russian lands’ – and brought to an end a dynasty which had ruled Russia for over 300 years. The abdication was signed in the saloon car of the imperial train. What was unusual about the actual signing?

Answer: Nicholas signed the Instrument of Abdication in pencil.

Source: Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert K Massie; General Historical Texts.

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