A Fabergé "War" Silver Cigarette Case. Fabergé, St Petersburg, 1914-1917, with scratched inventory number 24947 ...

Description

A Fabergé "War" Silver Cigarette Case
Fabergé, St Petersburg, 1914-1917, with scratched inventory number 24947
3-3/4 x 2-3/8 x 0-3/4 inches (9.5 x 6.0 x 1.9 cm)
109 grams (3.5 troy ounces)

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection, California.


The offered lot, with its inventory number of 24947 was ordered as part of a series of at least 80 cigarette cases. Other examples from this series were sold Sotheby's London, Russian Art / Works of Art & Faberge, June 12, 2007, lot no. 523 (inventory number 24959), and Christie's London, Russian Art, November 25, 2013, lot no. 259 (inventory number 24961).
Fabergé's so-called "War" [ВОЙНА] accessories mark the firm's turn towards austerity during World War I, when workshops produced simple, functional objects in base metals for patriotic sale and for charitable purposes. Typical pieces in copper and brass-cooking pots, bowls, ashtrays, and cigarette cases like the offered lot-carry stamped or repoussé inscriptions such as "War 1914" or "War 1914-1915" beneath the Imperial eagle. Examples include a copper or brass cigarette cases inscribed "War 1914*1915 K. Fabergé", copper, brass or silver ashtrays, and even lidded cooking pans and pots stamped "War 1914". Together, the "War" accessories demonstrate Fabergé's rapid appearance of wartime materials issues-copper and silver standing in for lavish gold-while preserving the house's impeccable workmanship and Imperial taste.

Heritage Auctions is grateful to Anna and Vincent Palmade for their assistance in the research of this lot.


Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000.

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