- 570
A Fabergé silver-mounted clay brick match holder, circa 1895
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Silver, clay, wood
- width: 9.6cm, 3 3/4 in.
the cast figure of Marsyas playing his aulos and seated at centre rear, the brick with two compartments and textured sides for striking, the base inscribed in Russian: 'Zavod/ A. Gusareva/ v Moscow', the figure apparently unmarked apart from scratched inventory number 833, in original Fabergé wood case
Condition
Generally in good order. There is some wear, soiling and minor losses to the brick. The figure has been off and re-attached. The wood case with time wear, an age split at right rear corner, and tear to silk lining.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A nearly identical object, the figure struck with the mark of Julius Rappoport, scratched with inventory number 614, and cast with slightly more textured skin, sold in these rooms, 27 November 2007, lot 556. Either the present or previous lot could be the match holder which appears in Fabergé's 1899 Moscow catalogue, number 58, page 44, priced at 27 roubles.
A published photograph of Emperor Nicholas II smoking at his desk illustrates a possibly identical brick match holder displayed in front of a Fabergé frame on the desktop; see G. von Habsburg, Fabergé: Hofjuwelier der Zaren, 1986, p. 45.