A Fabergé gold locket seal, workmaster: August Holmström, St. Petersburg, circa 1865

formed as a weight with thick handle, the base opening to reveal two black and white photographs, the lapis lazuli matrix engraved with the Order of Guelph, with workmaster's initials, 56 standard

Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, 5 December 1986 - 22 February 1987, cat. no. 149 
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no. 216

Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, Munich, 1986, p. 150
Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 219

The photograph of the lady is lacking a glass cover and is therefore slightly foxed. There are light surface scratches to the gold indicating age and use but in overall 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."

This miniature golden pendant seal by Fabergé contains two portrait photographs of Olga, Queen of the Hellenes and her husband, George I, King of the Hellenes. It is highly likely that the seal was a gift for Princess Thyra from King George I to commemorate his wedding to the Russian Grand Duchess Olga Konstantinovna in St. Petersburg in October 1867. In concept this locket is comparable with a bracelet that Princess Thyra had been given the previous year, which celebrated the wedding of her elder sister, Princess Dagmar (Maria Fedorovna). The bracelet, made by the St. Petersburg jeweller, Samuel Arndt, also contained miniature photographs of the bride and groom, Tsarevich Alexander Alexandrovich and Princess Dagmar of Denmark.

The two photographic portraits are held in round frames within the seal. The pictures of Princess Thyra's brother King George I, and the Grand Duchess Olga look identical to their pictures in the photograph taken by Karl Bergamasco in 1867 [G.A.R.F.], down to the haircuts and details of clothing. The dress worn by Grand Duchess is very similar in style which, combined with the fact that there is a bouquet lying on the young Olga's knees, suggests that the photograph was taken on some special occasion, either the Grand Duchess's birthday or her engagement day.

The seal is formed as a measure of weight, one Pud.  A similarly shaped seal, but without the concealed photograph compartment of the present example, was exhibited Fabergé Imperial Craftsman and his World, Wilmington, 2000, cat. no. 257.