This beautiful two-colour guilloché enamel photograph frame by Fabergé has a fascinating history… and impeccable provenance.

Christie’s New York sold Lot 148 in the Elizabeth Taylor Sale on 14th  Dec 2011 for US$ 194,500 (over 12 times the high estimate of $15,000). 

It can now be admired in the McFerrin Collection in Houston, Texas USA.

Aarne's workshop is known for its photograph frames of smaller sizes, in many varied shapes, and the floral swags in four colour gold that often adorn them. This example has a guilloché enamel border in red vitreous enamel..  

A very fine bell-push, with marks for Henrik Wigström, purchased by Empress Maria Feodorovna, who was born a Danish Princess, and given to her nephew, 
King Christian X of Denmark (1870-1947).

I researched the item rigourously on behalf of a private client, prior to the auction, and found the design drawings in Henrik Wigström's album.

Currently in a private  collection in Florida, USA.

After researching Fabergé for over 5 years,  building my archive database, I bought this Fabergé bowl at auction in April 2014.

A Fabergé silver gilt bowl, Moscow 1908-1917. With geometric motifs, supported on four bun feet, stamped К.ФАБЕРЖЕ in Cyrillic, beneath the Imperial warrant, 88 zolotnik silver standard. Diameter: 4⅞ inches (ca. 12.5 cm).

It has a rather special place in my heart... representing a milestone in my Fabergé journey!