A Fabergé rock crystal desk seal, circa 1900

carved as a mushroom, the matrix engraved with initials CG

Camilla Gregersen, lady-in-waiting to Princess Marie d'Orléans (1865-1909), wife of Prince Waldemar of Denmark (1858-1904);
Thence by descent until sold to the present owner

Generally very good condition, with signs of age and use including very minor chips at edges. Nicely carved
"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."

Curiously, nearly all of the Fabergé mushroom-form rock crystal desk seals which have come onto the market have Imperial and Royal connections, suggesting that these objects were favourites among relations of the Imperial Family.  A collection of ten seals, formerly in the collection of Prince Waldemar whose wife presumably gave the present lot, sold, Sotheby's Geneva, 21 November 1991, lot 502.  A group of five, formerly the property of Marie-Madeleine, Countess Mordvinoff (1913-1993), a great-granddaughter of Duke Nicholas of Oldenburg whose sister Alexandra married Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich, third son of Nicholas I, sold, Christie's New York, 19 October 2001, lot 134.  Another royal example sold, Sotheby's, Works of Art from the Royal House of Hanover, 10 October 2005, lot 2022.