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This exceptional nine-piece tea, coffee, and dessert service from the world-renowned House of Fabergé is exquisitely detailed. The rare set hails from the high period of Fabergé silver craftsmanship and is a lasting testament to the unparalleled finesse of the Fabergé workshop.
Hallmarked 1908-17 in Moscow, the ensemble is comprised of a tapered conical teapot, coffeepot, covered sugar and creamer, each adorned with exquisite detailing. The husk neck band adds a touch of regality, while ribbon ties gracefully cascade along the body of each piece. The domed lids, crowned with inverted berry finials, add an exquisite final touch to the opulent collection. No detail was spared in this service’s creation, which showcases the unparalleled brilliance and artistry of the Fabergé workshop. See a full listing of the service’s contents below.
The House of Fabergé was founded in 1842 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, by Gustav Faberge. In 1872, Peter Carl Fabergé took over his father's small jewelry atelier and transformed it into the world's most important decorative arts enterprise. The firm developed a devoted clientele, including the Romanov Imperial family. The Russian Revolution of 1917 brought an end to the Romanov dynasty as well as the exile of Peter Carl Fabergé to Switzerland. In the wake of the Revolution, many Fabergé treasures were lost or destroyed. Items of silver, including many of the court and presentation pieces created for the Tsar, were melted down, making surviving Fabergé objects from this time all the rarer. Enclosed in its fitted oak Fabergé case, this tea, coffee, and dessert service is in pristine condition and highlights the commitment to excellence synonymous with the Fabergé name.
Hallmarked Faberge, Moscow 1908-17
Bears 84 standard mark and the Imperial Warrant
Monogrammed "G.M."
Case: 6 1/4“ high x 26 3/8” wide x 18 5/8“ deep
Coffee pot: 9 1/4“ high x 7 3/8” wide x 5 1/8“ deep
Teapot: 6 3/4“ high x 7 1/4” wide x 5 1/4“ deepStrainer: 6 3/4“ length
Sugar: 6 1/4" high x 7 1/8" wide x 5" deep
Creamer: 4" high x 4 3/4" wide x 3 1/4" deep
Tongs: 4 7/8" high x 1 1/8" wide x 3/4" deep
Tray: 11 5/8" high x 6 3/8" wide x 2 1/2" deep
Spoon: 5“ length
Fork: 4 3/4“ length
This magnificent silver punch set holds great historical significance, as it was specially created for Czar Alexander III as a gift to Captain Joseph Wiggins. The set is intricately adorned with elaborate engravings and ancient Slavic lettering, serving as a grand symbol of celebration and a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of Russian Imperial silver.
The punch set was presented to Captain Wiggins by Czar Alexander III in recognition of his groundbreaking expedition along the Enisei River. Captain Wiggins' journey aimed to establish a sea route with Siberia and marked the first successful endeavor by a British seaman in 300 years to extend commercial interests with the northern coasts of Russia. The presentation of this lavish gift by the Russian government to a foreign national is particularly noteworthy, considering the lack of support Captain Wiggins received from the British government, which even refused his modest request for surveying instruments. Despite this, the Czar was impressed by Wiggins' achievements and chose to honor him with this exceptional punch set, as depicted and discussed in Henry Johnson's book Captain Joseph Wiggins, published in 1907.
The Czar commissioned the House of Sazikov, Russia's oldest silversmith and jewelry firm, to create this service. Established in 1793 by merchant Pavel Sazikov, the firm became the supplier to the Imperial Court in 1837. Renowned for their exceptional silverware, sculptures, cloisonné enamels, and statuettes with national motifs, Sazikov exhibited their masterpieces at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London and held the Imperial Warrant from 1846.
The charm of this punch set lies not only in its masterful craftsmanship and historical importance but also in the inclusion of ancient Slavic drinking proverbs. Inscribed on the cups and ladles, these sayings, such as "The heart burns at the thought of wine" and "Good fellowship is better than wealth," add a cultural richness and reflect the convivial spirit of gatherings. Additional inscriptions credit Wiggins for his endeavors. The tray's edge bears an inscription from the Russian Naval Ministry, commemorating the voyage to the mouth of the Enisei River in 1893, and the center of the tray features an inscription from the Royal Geographic Society, acknowledging the Czar's gift to Captain Joseph Wiggins and its subsequent donation to the Royal Geographical Society in England in September 1905.
Hallmarked 1874-75
12" high x 19 7/8" diameter on tray
Provenance:
Czar Alexander III
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