A Fabergé silver-gilt and enamel frame, workmaster Anders Nevalainen, St Petersburg, circa 1897

in the form of a heart, the surface enamelled in translucent royal blue over banded radiating engine-turned waves, the oval aperture containing a portrait miniature of Beatrix von Gasser, painted on ivory and signed 'Zehngraff', silver-gilt back and strut, struck with workmaster's initials, 88 standard

Baron Rudolf von Gasser (b. St Petersburg, 1829; d. Munich, 1904) was Bavarian envoy to Stuttgart, Darmstadt, Dresden, and St Petersburg, where he served from 1883 to 1903.  His father, Ferdinand Christoph von Gasser (1787-1863) was a banker to the Rothschild family in St Petersburg and established the family’s long-lasting Russian connections. 

In 1866, Rudolf von Gasser married Baroness Therese von Redwitz (1838-1878), a lady-in-waiting to Queen Marie of Bavaria.  The marriage produced no children.  In 1886, he married Aline von Fehleisen (1862-1938), daughter of a banker, Constantine von Fehleisen.  The couple had two daughters.  The eldest was Laure Monique Maria Juliana Martha Hermine (b. St. Petersburg, 1891).  In 1914, she married Sven Weber in Dresden.  The younger daughter was Beatrix Paschalins Marie Pauline Clementine Elisabeth Alix Gladys (b. St. Petersburg, 1894), who married Count Girolamo Frigerio in Milan.

This collection of Fabergé frames, lots 532-536, descended in the family until 2004, when they were inherited by a close family friend, along with lots 456, 457, 493, 580 and 587.

The frame is in excellent condition with tiny surface abrasions to the enamel. The screws with rust/corrosion which prohibits them from being taken out without professional intervention.
"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."