Lot 0213
Fabergé Silver-Gilt Presentation Box Mounted with the “For Useful Service” Medal of Emperor Alexander I, Armfeldt, St Petersburg, 1908–1917
Estimate: 3000-3500€
A commemorative Fabergé silver-gilt box set with the rare medal “For Useful Service” bearing a bas-relief portrait of Emperor Alexander I.
St Petersburg, Fabergé firm, workmaster Karl Gustaf Hjalmar Armfeldt, 1908–1917.
Medallist: Carl Leberecht, late 18th — early 19th century.
Silver, silver-gilt; chasing, medal striking, mounting, polishing.
Dimensions: 3.5 × 10 cm.
Weight: 355 g.
Marks: workmaster’s mark “ЯА” for Karl Gustaf Hjalmar Armfeldt; Fabergé mark “К. ФАБЕРЖЕ”; St Petersburg assay mark, 88 silver standard.
A round silver box of low cylindrical form with a detachable cover. The centre of the cover is mounted with a gilt medal showing the right-facing profile bust of Emperor Alexander I. Around the edge is the inscription: “Б. М. АЛЕКСАНДРЪ I. ИМПЕРАТОРЪ И САМОДЕРЖЕЦЪ ВСЕРОСС.”, translating as “By the Grace of God Alexander I, Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia.” Beneath the truncation of the bust appears the medallist’s signature: “CARL LEBERECHT F.”
The reverse of the medal is inscribed “ЗА ПОЛЕЗНОЕ”, meaning “For Useful Service.” At the centre is a beehive surrounded by bees within a laurel and oak wreath, an allegory of diligence, public benefit and meritorious service to the state.
Carl Leberecht, born in Meiningen, entered Russian service in 1779 and worked at the St Petersburg Mint, later becoming Chief Medallist.
The box was made by Karl Gustaf Hjalmar Armfeldt, one of the Finnish-born workmasters associated with the Fabergé firm in St Petersburg.
Starting price: 2500€
Estimate: 3000-3500€
Hammer Price: €
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Hammer Price: €