This richly decorated enamelled clock by Fabergé is a rare example and a wonderful discovery. According to the Imperial Cabinet ledgers, this clock was discharged by the Cabinet for the journey of the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna (1847-1928) to England, when she travelled for the funeral of her brother-in-law, King Edward VII, in May 1910. She stayed in England for nearly three months, spending time with her sister, now Queen Dowager Alexandra.

Ledgers indicate that in June 1910 she presented this clock to Richard Farrer Herschell, 2nd Baron Herschell (1878-1929), who was Lord-in-Waiting to King Edward VII, 1907-1910, and King George V, 1910-1919. Lord Herschell was accompanying Maria Feodorovna in London during her stay. Impressive gifts, such as the present clock, played an important role in Imperial state visits. When abroad, members of the Imperial family awarded a variety of gifts to foreign dignitaries as a means of creating diplomatic bonds.

We are grateful to Dr. Dmitry Krivoshei for his assistance with the research of the present lot.