the nephrite handle surmounted by a white guilloché enamel collar, bordered with bands of rose-cut diamonds, the lower border suspending two rubies from each sides, with workmaster's initials and scratched inventory number 4965, 56  standard

Purchased by Empress Maria Fedorovna (1847-1928) on 14th December 1901

In very good condition consistent with age and use.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This chalk holder was used for writing scores in one of the most wide-spread trick-taking game of the late 19th - early 20th centuries. Similar to bridge, preferans (preference) originated in France but gained particular pop🐠ularity in late Imperial Russia. Like bridge it is played with three, four or less commonly, two competi✱ng players. The player who bids highest, wins the ante, and can exchange cards from his hand instead of the ante.

Card games came to Russia from Central European cultures in 16th - 17th centuries and with time became an integral element of the Russian society: careers and fortunes were made and destroyed, destinies were decided, all over a game of cards. Russian society had to follow rules of card-playing etiquette and according to the authors of the reference book titled Rules of Society and Etiquette: "Fashion dictated that one ought to be versed in the game of cards. Without this skill one may find oneself in an awkward situation and therefore educational pro🍷grams should include compulsory studies of the intricate rules and mechanisms of the most popular card games".