A Fabergé Imperial Presentation jewelled and enamelled gold cigarette case, workmaster August Hollming, St Petersburg, 1902

the surface of translucent yellow enamel over engine-turned sunburst rays within banded wavy borders, the lid applied with a rose-cut diamond-set Imperial eagle, diamond thumbpiece, the interior engraved 'Von/ S Majestaet/ dem Kaiser v. Russland/ Reval 7.8.1902/ G. Frhr. v. S. B.', struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, 56 standard, partially rubbed scratched inventory number 1277_

Presented by Emperor Nicholas II to Gustav Baron von Senden-Bibran (1847-1909), Vice Admiral of the Imperial German Navy, 1902

The Manolo March Collection, sold, Christie's London, 28-29 October 2009, lot 440

Apparently re-enamelled, with an area of successful restoration near the thumbpiece, approx. 1.8cm long, invisible except under black light.
"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."

Emperor Nicholas II and Kaiser Wilhelm II met at Reval (now Tallinn) on the Gulf of Finland for a summit and naval parade in the summer of 1902.  It was during this visit that the present lot was presented by the Emperor to Baron Gustav von Senden-Bibran, a high-ranking member of the Kaiser's suite.  The Baron's distinguished German naval career began at the age of fifteen.  His ambitious goals for the expansion of the navy, which he envisioned dominating that of the British, found favour with the naval-minded Kaiser.  He became Naval Adjutant to the Kaiser in 1888, upon Wilhelm II's ascension to the throne in June of that year, Chief of the Imperial Naval Cabinet in 1889, Rear Admiral in 1892, Vice Admiral in 1899, and finally full Admiral and Adjutant General in 1903, before his retirement in 1906.  For more information, please see Friedrich Freiherr von Senden, Geschichte der Freiherr von Senden und Freiherr Schuler von Senden, 2010.