A Fabergé two-colour gold and enamel cigarette case, workmaster Michael Perchin, St Petersburg, 1899-1903

in neoclassical taste, the surface of lemon cream-coloured enamel within pink and green gold stripes and rays, the lid and base centred with a chased rosette, the borders chased with entrelac de rubans, the end with vesta compartment, modern tinder cord, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, 56 standard

With areas of successful restoration. Some wear to gold. One shallow dent to upper corner of back side near the loop.
"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."

A most interesting comparison is to be made with the cinnabar lacquered gold case from the collection of Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna which sold, Sotheby's London, 30 November 2009, lot 18.  Perchin seems to have favoured this form when in the mood for some degree of experimentation with materials.  Of an earlier date, the Romanov Heirlooms case was, quite unusually, lacquered, a tribute to late 18th century Paris composition boxes.  Here the goldsmith has taken the object a step further by employing this enamel which is an extraordinary - and perhaps unprecedented - colour.  Perhaps significantly, neither case was apparently scratched with a Fabergé inventory number.