Lot Essay
For a similar flatware service, see A. von Solodkoff, et al., Masterpieces from the House of Fabergé, New York, 1984, pp. 50-51.
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FABERGE
Jewellers and Goldsmiths to the Russian Imperial Court
Having been awarded the title of Court Jeweller in 1884, Carl Fabergé became one of the main suppliers to the Imperial Cabinet, which was renowned amongst European Courts for its expensive gifts and lavish taste. In response to a growing number of official commissions, Fabergé opened branches in Moscow, London, Kiev and Odessa. His innovative and beautiful objects were particularly sought-after by the British Royal family and their circle, and were frequently exchanged as gifts, whilst diplomats and members of royal delegations would bring back Fabergé’s objects from Russia as luxurious ‘souvenirs’.
It is well known that Carl Fabergé had strict standards that were rigorously applied. Pieces from the Fabergé workshop were of exceptional quality, made from only the most carefully chosen materials and by the most talented craftsmen. The novelty of combining functional use with artistic excellence captured the imagination of the aristocracy, who were regular customers of the Fabergé shops. Bell pushes, lighters and cane handles were among the myriad of practical objects that Fabergé produced and they were highly decorated accessories, embellished with enamel, gold of different colours and precious stones.
Fabergé was undoubtedly in a league of his own and far ahead of his competitors, constantly developing innovative products in new styles and designs. Consequently, many goldsmiths drew inspiration from the Fabergé atelier's pieces during the early 20th Century as well as after the closure of his business in 1918. What is known as le style Fabergé is exemplified by the present selection of lots (lots 109-136), which include functional pieces such as thermometers and bell pushes and cutlery, as well as purely decorative objets d’art such as a rock crystal elephant (lot 113).
A PARCEL-GILT SILVER FLATWARE SERVICE
MARKED K. FABERGE WITH THE IMPERIAL WARRANT, MOSCOW, 1908-1917
Details
A PARCEL-GILT SILVER FLATWARE SERVICE
MARKED K. FABERGE WITH THE IMPERIAL WARRANT, MOSCOW, 1908-1917
Each handle with monogram 'OT' and cast with a swan, cornucopia and laurel, marked throughout, comprising:
Eighteen dinner knives
Twelve lunch knives
Eighteen dessert knives
Eighteen fish knives
Eighteen dinner forks
Twelve dessert forks
Eighteen two-pronged forks
Eighteen fish forks
Eighteen dinner spoons
Twelve dessert spoons
Twelve coffee spoons
Twelve teaspoons
Eighteen ice spoons
One ladle
Two serving spoons
Two sauce spoons
Two fish servers
Two herring servers
One asparagus server
One ice spoon
Two sugar sifters
One strawberry spoon
Two cake servers
One cheese knife
Two meat knives
Four small servers
Together with two later fitted velvet-lined mahogany cases
384.03 oz. (11,944.8 gr.) weighable silver
MARKED K. FABERGE WITH THE IMPERIAL WARRANT, MOSCOW, 1908-1917
Each handle with monogram 'OT' and cast with a swan, cornucopia and laurel, marked throughout, comprising:
Eighteen dinner knives
Twelve lunch knives
Eighteen dessert knives
Eighteen fish knives
Eighteen dinner forks
Twelve dessert forks
Eighteen two-pronged forks
Eighteen fish forks
Eighteen dinner spoons
Twelve dessert spoons
Twelve coffee spoons
Twelve teaspoons
Eighteen ice spoons
One ladle
Two serving spoons
Two sauce spoons
Two fish servers
Two herring servers
One asparagus server
One ice spoon
Two sugar sifters
One strawberry spoon
Two cake servers
One cheese knife
Two meat knives
Four small servers
Together with two later fitted velvet-lined mahogany cases
384.03 oz. (11,944.8 gr.) weighable silver
Brought to you by
Adrian Hume-Sayer
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