A Fabergé Imperial Presentation jewelled two-colour gold and enamel box, workmaster Michael Perchin, St Petersburg, circa 1896

the lid applied with the diamond-set cipher of Emperor Nicholas II on an opaque white enamel lozenge bordered with diamonds, the ground enamelled in translucent green over sunburst engine-turning, raised ribbon-tied laurel border, the sides and base of plain matte finish yellow gold, the interior of rose gold, struck with workmaster's initials and Fabergé in Cyrillic, scratched inventory number 1052, 56 standard, with a hand-written note in Russian from the Emperor on the stationery of Empress Alexandra: Alix and I ask you to accept this small present as a souvenir of this day!/ Nicky

Presented by HIM Emperor Nicholas II to HIH Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich and/or HIH Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna

Generally in excellent condition, with numerous light scratches to the gold surface, especially the base. Substantial weight. The note has been creased and its corners discoloured.
"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."

This box is presumably among the three Imperial Presentation boxes with the Emperor's cipher which were produced by Fabergé in June 1896, one of which is recorded as enamelled in green.  They were delivered from the Cabinet stock to the Ministry of the Imperial Court for the Emperor's personal purposes in October 1896.  According to his diaries, he and the Empress visited the Vladimir Palace twice between the end of October and December of that year.  One occasion was the Name Day of the seventeen-year-old Grand Duke Andrei Vladimirovich and possibly the day referred to in the Emperor's note.

This stationery is that which Empress Alexandra used during the first years of her marriage.  Two examples, written to her lady-in-waiting, Margarethe (Gretchen) von Fabrice, are illustrated, H. von Spreti, Alix an Gretchen, 2002, p. 66.

Sotheby's is grateful to Dr Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm for her assistance in researching this object.