Emperor Nicholas II: An Imperial Fabergé Gilt Silver and Translucent Pink Guilloché Enameled Picture Frame. Fabe...

Description

Emperor Nicholas II: An Imperial Fabergé Gilt Silver and Translucent Pink Guilloché Enameled Picture Frame
Fabergé, Workmaster Antti Nevalainen, St. Petersburg, 1899-1904, with scratched inventory number 9164
2-5/8 x 2-1/4 x 0-3/8 inches (6.7 x 5.7 x 1.0 cm)
53 grams (1.70 troy ounces)

PROVENANCE:
Purchased by Emperor Nicholas II (1868-1918) from Fabergé's St. Petersburg branch on July 16, 1907 for 140 rubles;
Grand Duke George Mikhailovich (1863-1919) and Grand Duchess Marie Georgievna (1876-1940);
Princess Nina Georgievna Chavchavadze (1901-1974) inherited from the above;
Prince David Pavlovich Chavchavadze (1924-2014) inherited from the above;
Sold Christie's New York, Russian Works of Art, Important Silver and Objects of Vertu, 20 May 2015, lot 32;
Private California Collection, acquired from the above;
Private Collection, Los Angeles, acquired from the above.


The offered lot was purchased by Emperor Nicholas II from the St. Petersburg branch of Fabergé on July 16, 1907 at a cost of 140 rubles. The heart-shaped frame in transluscent pink was presented to Grand Duke George Mikhailovich and his wife, Grand Duchess Maria Georgievna, born Princess Marie of Greece and Denmark. In the paperwork for this transaction we find one of the very rare mistakes by Faberge, in which the number recorded on the Emperor's invoice was incorrect, and recorded as 9168 instead of 9164.

The frame contains a picture of the young Princess Nina Georgievna of Russia (born 20 June 1901), a daughter of Grand Duke and Grand Duchess George, who later married the Russo-Georgian Prince Paul Chavchavadze in exile in 1922. She had one son, Prince David Pavlovich Chavchavadze, who became an author of note and army veteran who spent 20 years as an officer in the Soviet Union Division of the CIA. The frame passed by descent within the Chavchavadze family until it was sold at auction more than a decade ago.

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


Estimate: $60,000 - $80,000.

*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.