Auction Name: 2025 December 17 Imperial Fabergé & Russian Works of Art Signature® Auction

Lot Number: 69018

Shortcut to Lot: HA.com/8232*69018

Empress Alexandra Feodorovna: A Fabergé Diamond-Set Two-Color Gold Translucent Blue Guilloché and Opaque White Enamel Pill Box
Fabergé, Workmaster Feodor Afanassiev, St. Petersburg, 1908-1917, with scratched inventory number 18223
0-3/4 x 1-5/8 inches (1.9 x 4.1 cm)
41 grams (1.31 troy ounces)

PROVENANCE:
Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, acquired from Fabergé on February 14, 1909, for 175 rubles;
Sold Wartski, London, March 1st 1949 for £250;
Private Collection, UK, acquired ca. 1950;
Sold Christie's, London, Russian Art, December 1, 2009, lot 4 ;
Private Collection, New York, acquired from the above.


Though the offered lot has appeared at auction before, the inventory number had never been accurately transcribed. A conservation cleaning to this piece revealed the full and correct inventory number 18223, which allowed confirmation that the work was acquired by the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna on Valentine's Day, 1909 from Faberge's St. Petersburg premises.
Bonbonnieres (small pill or sweet boxes) are among the most personal and charming of Fabergé's creations, prized by the members of the Imperial family for their refined craftsmanship in miniature. Together, these works illustrate Fabergé's mastery of small-scale luxury objects and the deep personal associations such items held for members of the Imperial Family. Empress Alexandra Feodorovna is known to have owned several examples, recorded in the Imperial Cabinet inventories and illustrated in early 20th-century Fabergé accounts.

Heritage Auctions is grateful to Valentin Skurlov for his assistance in the research of this lot.


*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.

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