A Fabergé gold, diamond and sapphire pencil holder, workmaster: Erik Kollin, St. Petersburg, circa 1890

the ribbed body surmounted by a snake, the head set with a cabochon sapphire and diamonds, the tail enclosing a suspension loop, with workmaster's initials, 56 standard, in a Fabergé fitted case enclosing a handwritten note: For Dear Olga from Misha

Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no.  1

Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 148

The piece is in overall good condition. The diamond on the left eye has possibly been chipped. The box green velvet lining has been refitted to the pencil at a later date.
"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."

Erik Kollin was Fabergé's first head workmaster. He was responsible for the series of Sythian-style jewellery that Fabergé exhibited to such acclaim at the Pan-Russian Industrial Exhibition held in Moscow in 1882. It is almost certain that he made the first Imperial Easter egg, presented by Emperor Alexander III to his consort, Empress Maria Fedorovna, in 1885. Kollin's work is distinguished by an elegant restraint of design. He preferred to work in single-colour gold, often with a semi-matt finish. Gold mounts were often worked with reeded decoration and sometimes, as in the present example, this was combined with the motif of a gem-set serpent.