A Fabergé two-colour gold, enamel and jewelled snuff-box, workmaster: Oscar Phil, Moscow, circa 1890

the cylindrical fluted body in bands of rose and yellow gold, sapphire pushpiece, the lid incorporating an earlier enamel plaque, probably Swiss, mid 19th, in the form of a putti suspended from a balloon inspecting a crescent moon, with workmaster's initials, 56 standard

Some very minor loss to the enamel on the lid, below the balloon. There is one small stone missing on the moon. Light surface scratches throughout 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."

In the early days of Fabergé's workshops from the late 1880s the workmaster's sought inspiration from European works of art. An obvious example would be the Fabergé copies of Kelch ornaments commissioned by the German Emperor Wilhelm II and referred to by Franz Birbaum in his memoirs. The mode for re-mounting earlier European enamel plaques on Fabergé works also gained in popularity, for a brief time these plaques were used as centrepieces for larger enamel snuff-boxes. It is in keeping with the times therefore that the workmaster Oscar Phil chose to mount the lid of the offered very decorative two-colour gold snuff-box with Swiss enamelling.