Antique Empire FABERGE Royal Award 18k Gold Enamel Lorgnette-Empress Alexandra

I am pleased to offer from my private collection this ONE OF A KIND and  important historical antique Empire Pre-Revolution Tsar’s Era Royal presentation 18k solid gold and enamel FABERGÉ Lorgnette folding glasses in the original  box,specially made for the Cabinet of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.

The lorgnette has been awarded by Empress Alexandra Feodorovna to his Maid of Honor Countess Maria Velio. It comes from her family estate. The lorgnette comes with the original luxury presentation box which is decorated with the personal royal monogram of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. The lorgnette is made of 18k solid gold,hallmarked with the “7 2” hallmark for 18k gold and “K Ф” hallmark. The lorgnette has a special spring mechanism to unfold it once the button is pressed. 25 grams heavy. 8cm high. The lorgnettes was wear on a long gold chain around the neck and when folded they could be used as a magnify glass,when unfolded they can be used like a glasses.  The FABERGÉ Lorgnettes are highly priced -you can see a Sotheby’s sales between $10,000.00-$30,000.00.

It comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $9,000.00

History: The set was presented in 1911 to Countess Maria Ivanovna Velio, maid of honor to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, whose family had a distinguished record of military and civil service to the Еmpire. Young ladies who were appointed as maids of honor (freilini) to the Empress came from the most illustrious families of the Empire. Their fathers served with distinction in either the civil service, the military, or at court. The nomination was thus an honor for her father and her family at large, as much as it was for the young lady.  Prior to being appointed as a maid of honor, a young lady’s character, and her family and social circle, were carefully scrutinized. The position afforded a young lady many privileges, the foremost of which was access to the Imperial court. Such access allowed her to form an influential network, which could be beneficial to her future. There were two categories of maids of honor: maids of honor of the suite and maids of honor “of the city.” The former, who were required to live at the palace, constituted a much smaller group (from one to five during this period), and the latter a much larger group.  

NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every possible defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!