A Fabergé three-colour gold and jewelled evening bag, workmaster: Henrik Wigström and Friedrich Rutsch, St. Petersburg, 1908-1917

the frame enamelled in translucent grey over an undulating engine-turned ground, the chased gold, laurel swags set to each side with rose-cut diamonds and opaque white enamel reserves, synthetic sapphire ball clasp, marked Fabergé with workmaster's initials, F.R. in Cyrillic, 56 and scratched inventory number 20329, surmounting a two-colour gold mesh purse with geometric patterns, the purse and frame suspended from a link chain, with workmaster's initials H.W. 56 standard

In overall good condition, with very minor wear consistent with age and use.
"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 mount for this unusually small and delicate evening bag was designed by Fabergé's chief workmaster Henrik Wigström, the original drawing is illustrated fig.1. The bag bears the marks for Wigström and also FR in Cyrillic for Friedrich Rutsch. Rutsch was an independent master who provided chainwork, mesh bags and findings for Fabergé and many other jewellers. The geometric design on the chain bag is comparable to examples exhibited in Fabergé Joaillier des Romanov, Brussels, 2005 and illustrated in the accompanying catalogue, p. 171, and also that of the bag in the Fabergé collection of the King of Siam. The Siam example is mounted in a very similar manner to the offered lot. This too is decorated with finely chased laurel swags over an elegant grey enamel ground with a gem-set ball clasp.