A Fabergé gold and enamel timepiece, workmaster Henrik Wigström, St Petersburg, 1908-1913

of shaped rectangular form, the surface of translucent red enamel over sunburst engine-turning within an acanthus leaf border, the projecting corners applied with rosettes, the tied ribbon surmount suspending four-colour gold floral festoons, the bezel of opaque white enamel reeds bound with gold ribbon, the face enamelled in translucent opalescent white, painted with Roman numerals and entwining laurel and inscribed 'Fabergé', ivory back, silver-gilt scroll strut, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé, 56 and 88 standards, scratched inventory number 3?0949, 1913 London import marks for Fabergé

Excellent condition. The enamel in near perfect order, with only a small number of very light surface scratches. The back lacking one screw and with one crack at the corner, as expected. The timepiece ticks when wound, but please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the mechanism.
"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 House of Fabergé remains justly famous for the exquisite enamels created by its master craftsmen a century after the closure of the workshops during the Russian Revolution.  This timepiece and the preceding three lots partly illustrate the vast array of rich colours of Fabergé objects; of the 145 colours produced, dark red was the most technically difficult to achieve.  Having been mounted in gold, rather than the much more common silver, makes these four objects especially luxurious.