Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna: A Fabergé Rose-Cut Diamond-Set Gold Cigarette Case. Fabergé, Workmaster August...

Description

Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna: A Fabergé Rose-Cut Diamond-Set Gold Cigarette Case
Fabergé, Workmaster August Hollming, St. Petersburg, 1899-1908, with scratched inventory number 5626
3-3/8 x 2-1/4 x 0-3/4 inches (8.6 x 5.7 x 1.9 cm)
121 grams (3.89 troy ounces)

PROVENANCE:
Acquired by the Imperial Cabinet for Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna from Faberge on August 22, 1902 for 250 rubles;
Christie's London, Russian Art, June 9, 2009, lot 200;
Private Collection, New York, acquired from the above.


The Imperial Cabinet frequently purchased works from Fabergé to keep in reserve for presentation as gifts by members of the Imperial Family. The present lot was acquired in 1902 for the reserve of the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna at a cost of 250 rubles. Although the ultimate recipient is unknown, the piece was clearly personalized at the time with an applied Imperial crown and other ornaments of particular significance to the person for whom it was intended. The internal inscription bearing the date 1905 remains enigmatic; that year was one of profound consequence for all Russians.

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


Estimate: $12,000 - $18,000.

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