in the form of a heart, the convex surface enamelled in translucent red over bands of radiating engine turned waves, the glazed oval aperture within a silver bezel suspending from the tied ribbon surmount, silver-gilt back and scroll strut, struck with workmaster's initials and K.Fabergé in Cyrillic beneath the Imperial Warrant, 88 standard, the reverse of the heart inscribed in Russian 'Red', scratched inventory number 2969, in original Fabergé red leather case

Princess Nadejda Alexandrovna Bariatinsky, née Count🥃ess Sten꧋bock-Fermor (1845-1920)

Thence by descent

Excellent, near perfect condition, the enamel in a remarkable state of preservation, minor wear to gilding at surmount, the leather case with minor time wear
"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 frame was formerly in the Collection of Princess Nadejda Bariatinsky, great-great-grandmother of the present owner, and contained a miniature portrait of her, circa 1890, by Alexander Wegner which the family have elected to keep.  She was born Countess Nadejda Alexandrovna Stenbock-Fermor in Hapsal, Estonia and married, in St Petersburg in 1869, Prince Vladimir Anatolievich Bariatinsky, aide-de-camp-general and close friend of Emperor Alexander III.  The Princess was named a Lady of Honour of the Bedchamber of Their Imperial Majesties the Sovereign Empresses and awarded the smaller cross of the Order of St Catherine in 1907 and the grand cross in 1914 (U. Tillander-Godenhielm, The Russian Imperial Award System, 1894-1917, Helsinki, 2005, pp. 41, 423, 427).

In 1917, Princess Bariatinsky fled to her estate, Selbilar, in Yalta.  When Yalta was evacuated, she failed to realise the danger and refused to leave with other members of her family.  She was murdered by the Bolsheviks on 20 December 1920, along with one of her daughters and son-in-law, "on the balcony of their big home at Selbilar.  Old Princess Nadejda Bariatinsky was in a wheel chair, and she was blessing - that is, making the sign of the cross - in the direction of her executioners." (I. Stenbock-Fermor, Memories of Life in Old Russia, World War I, Revolution, and in Emigration, oral history, University of Californiaꦅ Berkeley, 1976, p. 476.)