A gold fan, Samuel Arnd, St Petersburg, circa 1870

the shaped tapering guards with raised interlaced borders, the mother-of-pearl sticks painted with oval reserves of follicking cherubs and aquatic trophies within pierced diaper, the paper leaf French, painted with elegant figures at a masked ball, the reverse with a later scene at the ball and signed 'D. H. Ballue', the hinged loop with ruby-set terminals, 56 standard

Christie's South Kensington, 17 September 1996, lot 55

Generally very good condition, and a very attractive object. There are repairs to the mother-of-pearl sticks, and to the back of the leaf. Minor surface abrasions ot the gold surfaces; some separation between the front and back of the leaf; minor wear to the front of the leaf at the folds; and one small split to the lower front leaf.
"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."

D. H. Ballue is likely to have been a member of the French family of artists which included Hippolyte Ballue, the painter and costume designer.