A Fabergé silver-gilt and enamel cigarette case, Moscow, 1899-1905

enamelled in translucent powder blue over sunburst waves in concentric bands, moonstone thumbpiece, struck K.Fabergé in Cyrillic beneath the Imperial Warrant, 88 standard, scratched inventory number 29165

Purchased in 1905 by Mary Goelet, Duchess of Roxburghe (1887-1937) and given as a wedding present to Lord Hyde, later 6th Earl of Clarendon (1877-1955)

Thence by descent

One front and two back corners with losses to the enamel down to the metal, the largest extending approx. 1.7cm near the hinge.
"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."

Mary Goelet was the daughter of Ogden Goelet whose enormous wealth derived from extensive real estate in New York.  Born to the heady world of late 19th century New York society, her close relations included Mrs William Astor and Mrs Cornelius Vanderbilt, as well as Sir Michael Herbert, British Ambassador to Washington.  In 1903 she married  into the British aristocracy, becoming the wife of Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe (incidentally the cousin of the Duke of Marlborough who had married her cousin Consuelo Vanderbilt).  The announcement was made from the Goelet's mansion, Ochre Court, in Newport, Rhode Island.  The newspapers reported that 'May Goelet, as one of the greatest heiresses of this country, will be added to the number of American women now to grace, revivify, and enrich the British peerage... Those who are fond of rolling the millions on their tongues say that Miss Goelet will inherit $40,000,000' (Daily Sun, 7 September 1903).

The Duchess as well as her parents patronised Fabergé, and in giving a lavish wedding present in 1905 to her friend Lord Hyde, who as Lord Clarendon would become Governor General of South Africa and Lord Chamberlain of the Household to King George VI, she chose this fine cigarette case.  It was a particularly appropriate present as Lord Hyde's ancestor, the 4th Earl of Clarendon, is credited with introducing cigarette smoking to the British, a habit he had acquired whilst serving as Ambassador to Spain from 1833 to 1838.