A Fabergé jewelled silver-gilt and enamel clock, workmaster Michael Perchin, St Petersburg, 1895-1899

of demi-lune form, the surface of translucent midnight blue enamel over radiating engine-turned waves, scattered with rose-cut diamond-set stars forming asterisms and constellations including the Plough and Cassiopeia, chased leaf and fleuron borders, the white enamel dial within a pearl-set bezel above an open trellis of diamond-set flowerheads, resting on a central rosette set with a moonstone, ivory back, silver-gilt scroll strut, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, 88 standard, scratched inventory number 49221

Excellent condition. There is an age crack to the ivory back, approx. 2cm long, and a small loss to the ivory. Minor scratches to the glass. Not currently in working order; Sotheby's does not guarantee the clock mechanism.
"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."

The theme of the night sky is perfectly suited to a timepiece intended for a bedside table and was employed by Fabergé designers on other examples of varying forms.  A similarly decorated Perchin clock is illustrated, G. von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier: Rivalen am Zarenhof, 2003, no. 84, p. 171, and two later Wigström examples are illustrated, G. von Habsburg, Fabergé: Imperial Craftsman and His World, 2000, no. 501, p. 210, and G. Hill, Fabergé and the Russian Master Goldsmiths, 1989, no. 165, p. 205, the latter incorporating a carved rock crystal Man in the Moon face in the dial.  Each example is set with diamonds in recognisable celestial formations.