- 403
A hardstone desk seal, probably Fabergé, circa 1900
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- rock crystal
- height 6cm, 2 3/8 in.
carved of rock crystal in the form of a mushroom, faceted lower body and collar, fluted stem, the matrix engraved with cypher H.P. below a noble coronet
Condition
Excellent condition. A very few minor chips to the rims and two or three extremely light scratches to the matrix.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Curiously, nearly all of the Fabergé mushroom-form rock crystal desk seals which have come onto the market have Imperial and Royal connections, suggesting that these objects were favourites among relations of the Imperial Family, and perhaps even produced exclusively for them. A collection of ten seals, formerly in the collection of Prince Waldemar of Denmark, brother of Empress Maria Feodorovna, sold, Sotheby's Geneva, 21 November 1991, lot 502. A group of five, formerly the property of Marie-Madeleine, Countess Mordvinoff, a great-granddaughter of Duke Nicholas of Oldenburg whose sister Alexandra married Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich, third son of Nicholas I, sold, Christie's New York, 19 October 2001, lot 134. Another Royal example sold, Sotheby's, Works of Art from the Royal House of Hanover, 10 October 2005, lot 2022, and a further example given by Prince Waldemar's wife, Princess Marie d'Orleans, to her lady-in-waiting, sold, Sotheby's London, 10 June 2009, lot 558.