The Saint Petersburg City Duma, the executive body of municipal self-government of Saint Petersburg, was established in 1786 under Catherine II’s Charter to the Towns. It was responsible for municipal services, taxes, trade, and education. Decisions of the Saint Petersburg City Duma were approved by the Governor-General, and from 1871 onward by the city governor.
The stamp was used to collect a fee when issuing residence permits and travel passes in the Russian Empire for foreigners, by the office of the Saint Petersburg Chief of Police.
