A Fabergé gem-set silver bell push in the form of a pig, workmaster Julius Rappoport, St. Petersburg, 1899-1908

the ridgeback pig depicted seated on its haunches, finely chased and engraved to simulate skin, with curled tail and attentive face, the snout set with a garnet cabochon pushpiece, struck with workmaster's initials, Fabergé in Cyrillic with Imperial warrant, 88 standard

some small wear consistent with age and use, the pushpiece slightly "sticky" and the remaining electrical cord frayed.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a comparable cigar lighter in the form of a pig, also by Rappoport, see Sotheby's New York, 6 December 1995, lot 398, illustrated. For another, smaller bellpush modeled as a pig also made in Rappoport's workshop, see Sotheby's Geneva, 15 November 1988, lot 168, illustrated.