A Fabergé silver samovar, Moscow, 1908-1917

of typical form, the tapering body decorated with ribbon-tied laurel swags beneath a wavy foliate border, the handle of the tap in the form of a dolphin, the collar and socle with pierced and bead rims, the bracket handles and domed cover applied with ivory bands and knops, on a square base and four bun feet chased with laurel and berries, marked K.Fabergé beneath the Imperial warrant, 88 standard

Sotheby's New York, 8 December 1992, Lot 104

In overall good condition. Two support pins are lacking from the right handle. The ivory is cracked and bears signs of age. Minor surface scratches overall consistent with age and use.
"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."

Samovars produced by Fabergé are infrequently offered at auction; an impressive example sold at Sotheby's in December 2004 for double the high estimate. The Moscow workshop opened in 1887 and catered to a nouveau-riche clientele with strong traditional ties - the extensive use of Pan-Slavic motifs is some reflection of its tastes which St Petersburgers tended to disparage as 'merchant's style'. Of course, national traditionalism was not the sole reason Moscow was chosen by Fabergé to produce samovars. The workforce in Moscow was larger, less expensive and more experienced in silver production than in St Petersburg, so although the most important silver commissions continued to be made by Julius Rappoport in the northern capital, table silver, candlesticks and other large silver objects were normally created at the Moscow factory in Kiselny Lane.

The dolphin detail is typical of the whimsical element of Fabergé's designs. Similarities have sometimes been drawn between Fabergé's menagerie and Japanese netsuke, especially since he collected over 500 of these intricate toggles carved in the form of animals currently on display in the Hermitage.