Small Gold Box with Enamel and Precious Stones, 1890s
by firm of Fabergé

St. Petersburg, Master Mikhail E. Perchin
Marks: МР (M. Perchin) К. ФАБЕРЖЕ (K. Fabergé). 56 (assay) 47449 (index number)
Gold, diamonds, rubies, saphhire, enameling.
2.8 x 2.3 x 2.2 cm,

Mounted in the lid of this small box is a rectangular sapphire, faceted along its edges and decorated with a gold floral application of diamonds and rubies. The sides are coated with thick white enamel with decorations of flowers composed of ruby cabochons.

Until 1908 the box was in the collection of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich, the fourth son of Alexander II and favorite brother of Alexander III. He was commder of the fleet and head of the Naval department (1881-1905). In the transfer listing of the grand duke's collection the box is described thus: "No. 31. Gold bonbonnière, white enamel in the Indian style, with pale sapphire, encrusted with gold, made by Fabergé, 600 roubles."