A bowenite carved figure of a swan, circa 1900

inset with ruby eyes and held in a later fitted case marked Fabergé

Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, 5 December 1986 - 22 February 1987, cat. no. 309  
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no. 371

Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, Munich, 1986, pp. 194-5 
Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p.  255

In overall good condition. The marks on the base of the swan suggest later changes or additions.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This swan is carved of an unusual cream-coloured bowenite. Three small filled holes on the underside indicate that originally the bird was intended to have gold legs and to be attached to a base. This might have been carved to suggest rippling water; such an effect was used for the support of the silver swan contained in the 'Swan' Easter egg given to Empress Maria Fedorovna in 1906.