An Imperial Presentation Fabergé jewelled gold cigarette case, Moscow, 1915

the lid repoussé and chased with the Imperial eagle, set with rose- and circular-cut diamonds and a cabochon sapphire highlighting the crowns, beaks, shield, orb, sceptre, talons and tail feathers, above the dates 1613 and 1913 in highly stylised Slavonic script, sapphire thumbpiece, struck KF in Cyrillic and K. Fabergé in Cyrillic beneath the Imperial Warrant, 56 standard, in original red leather presentation case, with original transmission letter

Given by Emperor Nicholas II to Hans-Falk Dessen, 1915

Christie's Geneva, 17 November 1981, lot 163

Excellent condition, the lid retaining its crispness as if new. One small rose-cut diamond lacking to the left coronet. The leather box with light wear to the base.
"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."

Little information is recorded about the life of the recipient of the present lot, Hans-Falk Dessen.  Of Norwegian origin, at the age of 26 he swore allegiance to Queen Victoria on 2 March 1882.  In 1901 he is recorded as trading under 'Hans Dessen & Co., Merchants', at 2 Great Winchester Street in London, although the precise nature of his business is unclear. His name appears in the registers of the Royal Geographical Society and the Covent Garden Freemason's lodge, suggesting he was successful and well-connected.  Given the relative extravagance of this cigarette case, he must have been of significant service to the war-ravaged Russian state at a crucial time in its history.

The early summer of 1915 witnessed a number of key events. One was the foundation of the War Industries Committee which, while ostentatiously in support of the increasingly desperate war effort, was chaired by the Octoberist A.I. Glouchkov and began to undermine the government's control over economic planning. Furthermore, in the same month that this cigarette case was presented, the Imperial Army began a humiliating withdrawal from the front line, known as the 'Great Retreat'. 

The original transmission letter survives and is included with the lot: 'Certificate/ Given to British National / Hans-Falk Dessen / To certify that he has been graciously granted a gold cigarette case bearing the Imperial Emblem, decorated with precious stones, from the Cabinet of His Imperial Majesty. / [St Petersburg, crossed out] Petrograd, 19 June 1915 / Manager of the cameral cabinet of His Imperial Majesty [signed] Chicherin / Assistant to the manager of the cameral cabinet [signed illegibly]'.