6201-1, Dec. 4, 1940

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] EASTER EGG CHARM Imperial Easter Egg charm of gold and sky-blue enamel set with a piece of rose quartz cut en cabochon. Girdled with a fine gold band, the upper portion, terminating in a point, is hand-tooled beneath the enameled surface in delicate basket weave pattern. Surmounted with loops for hanging, the larger of the two is hallmarked with [in right margin a circle with slash through it and capital “A”; next text up to semi-colon appears to be lined through] the name of the Russian court jeweler Karl Faberge; the numeral “56” denoting the Russian equivalent of 14 kt. gold; and certain other marks, partly obliterated through wear. These miniature Easter Eggs, looked forward to each year by the younger members of the Imperial household, represent most intricate and elaborate workmanship. Enlarged, many of them would be as compellingly beautiful as the Gift Egg presented each year to the Tsarina and the Dowager Empress. The Grand Duchesses used them as charms, as pendants, for “bangles” on bracelets, or suspended from thin gold chains in the manner of necklaces. Number 6201-1 Mrs. John L. Pratt December 4, 1940 FROM THE HAMMER COLLECTION – 682 FIFTH AVENUE – NEW YORK