An Imperial Presentation Fabergé jewelled gold cigarette case, Gabriel Nykänen, St Petersburg, 1896

the polished surface applied at the lid with an angled rose-cut diamond-set Imperial eagle, cabochon sapphire thumbpiece, struck with workmaster's initials, 56 standard, in original red leather presentation case, with original letter

Given by Emperor Nicholas II to Camille Cerf, 1896

Three corners with small dents. The eagle lacking four small rose-cut diamonds. The surface with shallow scratches consistent with age and use. Slight lid closure gap. The original box with wear to the leather along the edges and the base.
"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 Coronation of Emperor Nicholas II, held on 26 May 1896, was the first event of its kind to be filmed, and the first film to be shot in Russia.  In charge of production was Lumière Brothers filmmaker Camille Cerf (1862-1936), who had previously worked as a newspaper correspondent in his native Belgium, assisted by technicians Charles Moisson and Francis Doublier.  The now-iconic film, showing the newly-crowned Emperor processing through the Kremlin under the great canopy, along with the footage of his wife and mother arriving at the ceremony in their carriages, was shown to the Emperor at a private screening organised by Cerf on 13 July 1896.  With his keen personal interest in photography, he was surely fascinated by the moving images. 

The following day, the present lot was sent to Cerf, in residence in St Petersburg at the Hotel Francia on Bolshaya Morskaya Street, by Count Benckendorff on behalf of the Emperor.  The letter is written in French on Peterhof stationery and dated 14/26 July:

'Monsieur,

His Majesty the Emperor has ordered me to convey to you as a souvenir of the evening of the 13th/ 25th July, during which you showed Him the moving photographs of M. Lumière, this cigarette case with the Imperial arms, which you will find attached. I ask you to kindly present to your two assistants, who were present at the screening, the two watches also within the same package. 

Comte de Benckendorff, Marshal of the Imperial Court

P.S. I would be most grateful if you could inform me of the names of your assistants.'

For other Nykänen cases with angled Imperial eagles, please see Christie's New York, 18 April 2008, lot 277, and G. von Habsburg, Fabergé: Imperial Craftsman and His World, London, 2000, no. 748, p. 290.