VD-5399/5, Mar. 2, 1939

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] Article No.VD-5399/5 Figure of a heron carved in blue-gray smoky agate, with legs and splayed feet of red gold. The eyes are set with diamonds. Created by Carl Fabergé, celebrated court jeweler to Tsars Aleksandr III and Nikolai II of Russia, it was executed by one of his foremost artists, Henrik Wigstroem. The bird shown upright, in resting position, carries one wing slightly higher than the other. Sensitively modeled, fine detail of feathers and general form is evident. Rhythmic in line, the little sculpture is a particularly beautiful example of the designer’s individuality of expression. Fully hallmarked, it bears the full name, “Fabergé”; initials of his workmaster Wigstroem; and the numeral “72” denoting the Russian standard of 18kt. gold. From the collection of Tsar Nikolai II in the Aleksandr Palace, Tsarskoye Selo. Mrs. John L. Pratt March 2, 1939 FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE – NEW YORK