carved of bowenite, the bezel of translucent blue enamel over hatched engine-turning, ivory back, gold suspension loop and scrolling A-frame strut, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé, 72 standard, scratched inventory number 22740, Fabergé import marks for London, 1912, containing a photograph of a young girl, probably Mary, Duchess of Roxburghe

Purchased by Lionel de Rothschild from Fabergé's London branch on 21 November 1912 for £25

The frame in excellent condition. The photograph faded with white accretions and dirt.
"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."

Lionel de Rothschild (1882-1942) and the Duchess of Roxburghe's mother Margaret, to whom he possibly gave the present lot, were second cousins, sharing descent from Nathan Mayer de Rothschild (1777-1836), one of the five sons of the second generation of the banking dynasty.

For a similar design from the Wigström workshop numbered 13088 and dated 9 October 1912, please see U. Tillander-Godenhielm et al., Golden Years of Fabergé: Drawings and Objects from the Wigström Workshop, New York, 2000, p. 164.