2497, undated

Transcription: [double-headed eagle] The Schaffer Collection of Russian Imperial Art Treasures ROCKEFELLER CENTER NEW YORK #2497 Small gold cup by CARL G. FABERGE, the celebrated Russian Court jeweler. It is tapering in shape, and stands on a very short round base. On one side is a curiously formed openwork handle. The most engaging feature is the decoration around the side of the cup. The lower portion is so chased as to look like water, in which are swimming two fishes, the tails and heads of which are blue sapphires. So cleverly chased are the sapphires and the gold, that the bodies of the fishes seem to be submerged in the water. The artifice is so well executed, that one actually thinks the fishes are playfully swimming in the water. It is a piece typical of the fantaisies (sic) which Fabergé delighted in creating for members of the Imperial family, as well as for other important personages throughout the world.