A Fabergé Imperial gold, glass and hardstone brooch, workmaster: Alfred Thielemann, St. Petersburg, circa 1905

circular, the openwork disc cast with the Monogram of Christ, suspending two nephrite and three purpurine eggs from gold chains, with workmaster's initials, scratched inventory number 3086, 56 standard, in original fitted wood case with handwritten note in pencil: For darling Orchie dear fr[om] Alix & the 5 children

Purchased by the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna; recorded in the Imperial Ledger 17 March 1906; 
Presented to Mrs Mary Anne Orchard. 

Excellent condition. There are very tiny surface abrasions to the purpurine, as is expected with this material. The wood case with minor wear to base.
"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."

Mrs Mary Anne Orchard was nanny to the last Empress in childhood and stayed with her former charge until her own death in 1906 bringing up all five children of Nicholas II and Alexandra Feodorovna. "Orchie" as she was known to the children provided them with excellent nursery training, organising their time in such a way as to allow them to take advantage of every hour that their mother could spare for them.

Since Mrs Orchard died in 1906 and Nicholas and Alexandra's fifth child, Tsarevich Alexei was born in 1904, the present lot can be dated to  circa  1905.