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Lot Essay
This important and large desk lamp is a rare example of Fabergé's production after austerity measures passed with the declaration of the First World War. As the war started, the demand for jewellery items has significantly decreased. The firm received a number of military commissions from the government, including the production of hand-grenades as well as small gifts for soldiers and officers presented by the Emperor.
Goods produced between 1914-1917 included ashtrays, cigarette cases, syringes, desk lamps, and kitchen utensils embossed with Fabergé’s name and the inscription of ‘War 1914’. Due to the limited supply of precious metals during the period, Fabergé created numerous articles in more practical materials such as brass, copper and steel which were much cheaper compared to gold and silver.
For a similar model, see T. Fabergé, A. Gorynia, V. Skurlov, Fabergé and Petersburg Jewellers, St Petersburg, 1997, pl. 36; also A. Ivanov, Unknown Fabergé, Moscow, 2002, p. 42.
Goods produced between 1914-1917 included ashtrays, cigarette cases, syringes, desk lamps, and kitchen utensils embossed with Fabergé’s name and the inscription of ‘War 1914’. Due to the limited supply of precious metals during the period, Fabergé created numerous articles in more practical materials such as brass, copper and steel which were much cheaper compared to gold and silver.
For a similar model, see T. Fabergé, A. Gorynia, V. Skurlov, Fabergé and Petersburg Jewellers, St Petersburg, 1997, pl. 36; also A. Ivanov, Unknown Fabergé, Moscow, 2002, p. 42.