A Fabergé carved obsidian figure of a carrier pigeon, circa 1900

realistically modelled with chased gold feet and diamond-set eyes, in a Fabergé fitted case containing a handwritten note in English: From Olga of Russia Xmas 1907

Presented by Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, (1882-1960) to her aunt Princess Thyra of Denmark, Duchess of Cumberland for Christmas 1907

Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, 5 December 1986 - 22 February 1987, cat. no. 327  
Munich, Kunsthalle der Hypo-Kulturstiftung, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, 28 November 2003 - 12 April 2004, cat. no. 325

Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé Hofjuwelier de Zaren, Munich, 1986, p. 198
Géza von Habsburg, Fabergé-Cartier Rivalen am Zarenhof, Munich, 2003, p. 246

Some barely perceptible chips around the edges of the tail, otherwise in good condition.
"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."

The reflective quality of obsidian has been judiciously used to suggest the iridescence of the pigeon's plumage. Fabergé sought hardstones that could be used to increase the lifelike quality of such works. The royal collections of Great Britain and Denmark both include carvings of pigeons and doves. One, also carved of obsidian, and of identical size to the present example, is illustrated, exhibition catalogue Kejserinde Dagmar Maria Fjodorovna, Copenhagen, 1997, cat no. 278 (the property of Queen Ingrid of Denmark, 1910-2000).

The presence of those in the British Royal Collection may reflect a wider royal interest in these birds, as there was a dove-house at Sandringham. One of these hardstone birds, carved of banded agate, RCIN 40032, has gold feet, and like the present example is unmarked. For a design of a pigeon by Henrik Wigström dated 1911, see Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm, Golden Years of Fabergé, Drawings and Objects from the Wigström workshop, Graulhet, 2000, p. 159 no. 111.