A Fabergé gold and enamel diptych frame, workmaster Henrik Wigström, St Petersburg, 1908-1917

in neo-classical taste, rectangular, the exterior panels enamelled in translucent blue over wavy spiral sunburst engine-turning within white enamel borders, the front applied with a neoclassical swan and laurel motif, the reverse with initials DP, the corners applied with rosettes, opening to reveal two octagonal apertures flanked by vine leaf-entwined staffs on translucent white enamel grounds over sunburst engine-turning, the whole within finely chased acanthus tip borders, marked with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, 56 standard

Christie's Geneva, 11 May 1982, lot 336

A very impressive object; the chasing is especially fine. The applied DP mount is a later addition. There are small shallow chips to the enamel at the initial P. The inner bead-and-reel border is lifting at one corner on the swan side. The object has obviously been well-looked after.
"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 form of this diptych frame was something of a specialty of Wigström's workshop.  There are two other Wigström examples known, both in neo-classical taste.  One is illustrated, G. von Habsburg, Fabergé: Imperial Craftsman and His World, London, 2000, p. 135, the drawing of which appears in Wigström's design book dated 1914.  (See illustration; see also U. Tillander-Godenhielm et al, Golden Years of Fabergé: Drawing and Objects from the Wigström Workshop, New York, 2000, p. 165, the object also illustrated p. 138 and fig. 1.)  The other example by Wigström sold in these rooms, 9 July 1956, lot 43.  Of note on the present lot is the particularly successful undulating engine-turning, which gives a three-dimensional effect under the translucent enamel.