of lozenge form, centred with a chased gold Imperial eagle set with a rose-cut diamond, on a ground of translucent red enamel over sunburst engine-turning, the border of chased two-colour gold laurel, struck with workmaster's initials, 56 standard, scratched inventory number 1421

Purchased by the Imperial Cabinet for&nb🐷sp;40 roubles in 1903-1904

S. Czestnych, K. Kettering and M. Sloniewski, Spala: Carska Rezydencja, Wydawnictwo Cel, 2011, p. 138, illustrated.

Excellent condition, the pins have been out
"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."

Brooches bearin🐲g the Imperial eagle were among the most popular gifts presented by E🧸mperor Nicholas II and his family.  The Imperial archives mention at least twenty-three Fabergé brooches with the same inventory number, 1421.  The Cabinet's Inventory Book indicate that such brooches were taken as gifts on numerous trips made by the Imperial family, including the voyage of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna to Voronezh and Denmark in 1904, the voyage of the Emperor and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna to Moscow in 1903, and their trips abroad and to Skierniewice in the same year.  Brooches with this inventory number are also recorded among the purchases intended as gifts to commemorate the christening of the Tsarevich Alexei on 3 September 1904 in the chapel at Peterhof Palace.