An Imperial Fabergé silver-gilt and hardstone desk blotter, workmaster Michael Perchin, St Petersburg, 1895-1896

the nephrite panel within leaf-bound reeds, the reeded collar with bound laurel, spherical knop, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, 88 standard, scratched inventory number 52847; and an unmounted nephrite paper knife, probably Fabergé

Purchased by Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna for 115 roubles in 1896.  The invoice from Fabergé reads, in Russian, 'Blotting pad, thin panel and ball of nephrite, L[ouis] XVI [style]'.  

The current owner purchased both objects in Denmark from the widow of an official who was a long-term employee of the Danish Royal Family and who was given the objects as gifts.  This suggests that either the Dowager Empress sent the blotter to one of her Danish relations as a gift or, perhaps less likely, that it was with her when she fled Russia in 1919 and still owned by her during the latter stage of her life in Denmark.

Excellent condition, very minor wear to the gilding, the scratched inventory number is on the underside of the handle which screws off, the paperknife also in excellent condition, with only very tiny nicks.
"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."