A rare Fabergé cigarette case has been gifted to the Wildlife Trusts as part of a legacy donation.
The case, created in Russia in 1915, will be sold by auction on 27 March as part of a fine art sale and is expected to attract between £30,000 and £50,000.
Created by House of Fabergé craftsman Feodor Rückert, the case features enamel flower patterns and an image of a man on a rearing horse, which was inspired by a 1913 painting by Mikhail Ivanovich Avilov of one of Ivan the Terrible’s sons.
‘Exciting to see how much we can raise’
Thirzah McSherry, director of development at the Wildlife Trusts, said: “We’re deeply grateful to the donor who left us this beautiful gift. It'll be so exciting to see how much we can raise at auction.
“Gifts left to the Wildlife Trusts in wills – whether they are objects such as this one or financial donations – have helped us achieve many amazing things, from supporting species reintroduction to standing up for the natural world in the corridors of power.
“The generosity of our supporters helps to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the wonders of the natural world.”
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “We are thrilled to offer this extraordinary Fabergé cigarette case at auction, especially as it represents not only the exceptional artistry of the House of Fabergé but also a chance to support the Wildlife Trusts.
“This sale is a unique opportunity to own a piece of history and contribute to the preservation of our natural world. We hope that bidders will be inspired by the charity aspect of this sale and that it will help raise much-needed funds for wildlife conservation.”
The auction will take place at the Hansons Auctioneers Derbyshire saleroom in Etwall at 9:30am on 27 March and will be available for online bidding for those unable to attend in person.
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