FABERGÉ EGG SOLD AT AUCTION
Bearing the stamp of Michael Perchin, supervising Fabergé goldsmith prior to 1903, a formerly unknown Fabergé egg (discovered in Louisiana) has been sold at auction for an undisclosed sum.
Experts attest that although the small (41/2” high) masterpiece does not appear to be one of the eight eggs known to be missing from the Russian Czarist collection, this is indeed a Fabergé. Part of the egg’s value, the experts say, results from its mystery.
18K gold beneath a shell of the master’s unique oyster enamel (changes color in different lights), the piece is trellised with gold. At each trellis intersection are flowers of pearls with sapphire centers. The egg rests on three sapphire-encrusted cabriolet legs with rose diamond feet. A large rose diamond crowns the egg.
As with all formerly known Fabergé eggs, this one contains a “surprise,” in this case a two-inch jade bowl containing a perfect miniature pineapple cast in gold with jade leaves.