A rare Fabergé silver and wood vitrine, workmaster Julius Rappoport, St Petersburg, late 19th century

in neoclassical taste, of upright square-section form, the glazed sides and top enclosed in palmette-chased frames below a frieze of anthemia and acanthus leaves and a gallery with cone corner finials, the door with bound fasces handle, the lower section containing a drawer, each side applied with a central wreath flanked by anthemia, the ogee base chased with leaf tips, paw feet, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, 88 standard

Excellent condition. There are minor surface scratches, nothing which detracts from the appearance. The interior of the vitrine section is fitted for two shelves, which are not present. The door handle is slightly loose. The drawer has its original key. This is a very handsome and well-constructed object.
"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."

The object relating most closely to the present lot is the neoclassical-style silver and glass vitrine by Rappoport which was in the collection of the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, in use in her Mauve Boudoir at the Alexander Palace (see G. von Habsburg and M. Lopato, Fabergé: Imperial Jeweller, London, 1993, p. 196, and G. von Habsburg, Fabergé - Cartier: Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 289).  Modelled in the form of a sedan chair, the Empress' vitrine incorporates many of the same motifs as the present lot, with the addition of swags, key fret borders, and ribbon-tied surmounts.  For another comparison, see Christie's London, 25 November 2003, lot 82, for a neoclassical-style silver-mounted wood table by Rappoport.