A Fabergé miniature gold-mounted and jewelled nephrite paperknife, workmaster: Erik Kollin, St. Petersburg, circa 1890

the fine nephrite blade set in a tapered gold handle set with a sapphire, with workmaster's initials and scratched inventory number: 4198356 standard, in a Fabergé fitted red leather case inscribed in pen: Willy 1891

Presented to Princess Thyra of Denmark, Duchess of Cumberland by her brother, George I, King of the Hellenes, (1845-1913)

Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, 5 December 1986 - 22 February 1987, cat. no. 118 
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no. 3

Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, Munich, 1986, p. 143
Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 148

 

In apparent good condition.
"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 inscription "Willy" refers to the childhood name of Princess Thyra's brother Prince William. In 1863, aged only seventeen, he accepted the Kingdom of Greece, ruling as George I, King of the Hellenes. Like his siblings, he assembled an impressive collection of Fabergé, much of which was sold: Christie's, London, 24th January 2007.