Manuscript of Lermontov's poem sold at Sotheby's

A manuscript of the great Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov (1814-1841) was sold at the Sotheby's auction house in London on Wednesday. It is the original of "Poniard", one of the most famous Lermontov's poems.

The rarity was sold at the original Sotheby's price - 10,000 pounds sterling.

In addition, three letters, written by the poet to his friend, were displayed for sale. But they found no buyer.

Orders and private letters, signed by Russian Empresses Anna, Elisabeth and Catherine I and Tsar Nicholas I, were sold at a rather low price - from 550 to 1,100 pounds.