Fabergé, a dendritic agate miniature animal study, early 20th century, realistically modelled as a reclining Gloucester Old Spot pig, finely carved in dendritic agate, its eyes set with cabochons of red paste, measuring 8.0 x 3.0 x 2.1cm, eyes later replacements The quality of this carving and the sensitive treatment of its subject compare favourably with a number of hardstone animal studies produced by the workshops of the Russian imperial jeweller Fabergé. Animal carvings are among the jeweller's most celebrated creations, adored and collected by some of the most prominent figures of the early 20th century. Russia's stone carving industry centred on the city of Yekaterinburg, where Fabergé acquired the workshop of lapidary Karl Woerffels around 1884, and it was this workshop that produced the majority of them - the carvers Kremlev, Derbyshev and Svetchnikov, managed by the German Alexander Meier. The stones were carefully selected by Carl Fabergé's son Agathon, and were mostly of Russian origin, taking advantage of the rich mineral resources of the Ural mountains and Siberia. The animal carvings found immense popularity with a number of the firm's key patrons, most notably the British Royal Family, whose collection boasts more than 350 animals, and Léopold de Rothschild, who had his racehorses similarly immortalised by Fabergé's sculptors. The dendritic or 'moss' agate used here is an unusual choice for an animal study, its distinctive patterning more commonly employed by Fabergé for inlays and panels in its jewels and objets de vertu. Traditionally found in India but eventually sourced by Fabergé from Siberia, its use here is likely a clever attempt to mimic the distinct patternings of a particular breed of pig known as the Gloucester Old Spot, whose 'lop' ears are also distinctively forward folding as in the present carving, partially shielding its eyes. A number of realistically modelled farm animals including pigs were produced from life at the Sandringham estate in 1907, following a suggestion made to King Edward VII by Fabergé's London agent Henry Bainbridge that the firm recreate a number of the animals across the estate. With subjects ranging from the King's own terrier dog Caesar, to the cows, pigs, ducks and chickens that populated the farmland around them, the animals of this 'Sandringham Commission' were reproduced in wax sculptures by the carver Boris Frödman-Cluzel, before being sent back to the Russian workshops to be immortalised in hardstone. They were then sent back to Fabergé's London branch for purchase, mostly, but not exclusively, by those who wished to gift them back to the Royal Family. Such was the appeal that some were even acquired by members of the family themselves, such as Princess Victoria, who bought a model of a recumbent white sow in pale pink aventurine quartz in 1912 (RCIN 40041). It is not known whether the present study would have been part of the Sandringham commission, but the close attention to detail and the choice of this lesser known breed of pig reflect a close observation of the animal, likely in its agricultural setting, and a desire by the sculptor to capture the distinctive characteristics of this specific breed. King Edward VII was particularly proud of his pigs and sent the best of his herd to The Royal Society Show in June 1911. Pigs were one of Fabergé's more popular animal studies in their native Russia, with several examples recorded in the collection of Empress Maria Feodorovna, and are also among the most humorous and varied of their miniature sculptures. Cf.: a series of carved hardstone pigs by Fabergé in the Royal Collection, collection nos. RCIN 40041, 40038, 40421 and 40422, commissioned by the Royal Family and studied by Fabergé's sculptor Boris Frödman-Cluzel from life at the Sandringham estate in 1907. Cf.: The Robert Strauss Collection of Works of Art by Fabergé, Christie's, 9th March 1976, lot 28, and A. Kenneth Snowman, The Art of Carl Fabergé, 1972, no.237, for studies of dalmatians, their spotted coat also depicted in dendritic agate Cf.: A La Vieille Russie, Fabergé exhibition catalogue, New York April-May 1983, no. 445, for a dendritic agate model of a spaniel with an enamelled gold collar by the chief workmaster Henrik Wigström. An English private family collection
We found 10039 price guide item(s) matching your search
There are 10039 lots that match your search criteria. Subscribe now to get instant access to the full price guide service.
Click here to subscribe- List
- Grid
-
10039 item(s)/page
Anne & Philp Plant, 'Pegmatite', 1968Glazed hexagonal stoneware ceramic forms of varying size and height, mounted to a brown hessian covered board.51cm sq.Footnote:A letter accompanying this lot, hand-written by the artists to the present vendor in 1968, explains that the title of the work comes from the mineral pegmatite, a crystalline rock containing feldspar, which was used in the glaze recipe.
A PAIR OF DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS Each old European cut diamond in an eight claw mount, diamonds approximately 1.30ct total, post fittings Size/dimensions: 0.6cm long Gross weight: 1.4 grams Condition Report: The diamonds are bright and lively, colour is slightly difficult to gauge as one has its culet touching the back of the setting which could be making the diamond look a little more yellow, colour around I and K, clarity I1, some mineral inclusions, chips and naturals. A couple of the claws on one of the studs have been replaced, another couple of claws may have been retipped, adapted from another piece of jewellery, but they work well and the studs are secure, associated butterflies. Condition Report Disclaimer
Striking assortment of polished mineral eggs, each displaying the distinct hues, patterns, and natural beauty of various stones, including blue calcite, black onyx, malachite, jasper, and more. Largest piece dimensions: 2.75''H x 2''dia. Issued: 20th centuryDimensions: See DescriptionCondition: Age related wear.
Beautiful collection of polished mineral eggs, each showcasing the unique colors, patterns, and textures of various natural stones, including tiger eye, malachite, jasper, spinel, white jade, marble, and more. Largest piece dimensions: 3''H x 2''dia. Issued: 20th centuryDimensions: See DescriptionCondition: Age related wear.
With four sides neatly inscribed with cuneiform writing, and two sides with stamp seals inscriptions. Comes with hand-written, unsigned original scholarly note, by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, U.K. 1970-1993, which states: Old Babylonian / legal document, / c. 1900 - 1600 BC.' 6.5 x 4.5cm Very good with mineral deposits.
A Good Swift "Dick" Petrological Microscope English, c.1895, signed to foot ‘J Swift & Son, London’, standing on cast brass foot finished in black lacquer, trunnions at top support body, plano-concave mirror on gimbal below substage, substage assembly with rotating Nicol prism on rotating divided circle for angular measurement, square stage with Swift 2″ patent stage, main body to rear of stage incorporating the ‘Dick’ rotating mechanism with fine focus via screw and course focusing via diagonal rack work, body tube incorporating a sliding plate with aperture and slide in/out Bertrand lens, to top a rotating and folding analyser engraved with 45 degree positions, complete with 2 Swift objectives, 3 eyepieces in original mahogany case The Dick Petrographic Microscope by James Swift & Son: A Historical and Operational Overview Historical Context - The history of the "Dick" Petrographic Microscope is closely intertwined with the evolution of microscopy and mineralogical studies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This particular microscope was developed by James Swift & Son, a company that became a key player in the production of scientific instruments in England during that period. James Powell Swift initially worked under the instrument maker Andrew Ross before establishing his own company in 1854. As the company expanded and his son joined in 1877, it was renamed J. Swift & Son. By 1912, the firm had evolved into James Swift & Son Ltd. One of the significant advancements in the field of petrographic microscopy came from Allen B. Dick, an inventor who, in 1889, designed a unique gearing system that allowed for synchronized rotation of both the polarizer (beneath the stage) and the analyzer (above the stage). This innovation made it easier to observe and study mineral samples by eliminating the need for constant adjustment and re-centration of the specimen and objective lenses when rotating the stage. Swift and Son were the first to manufacture microscopes incorporating Dick's patented gearing system, and they introduced the first model in their 1891 catalog. Known as the "Dick Microscope," . Although it was expensive and relatively few examples remain today, it was used by prominent geologists and mineralogists, including during the British polar expeditions to Antarctica. In particular, photos from the expeditions show geologist Frank Debenham preparing samples using a Swift/Dick microscope, highlighting the instrument’s role in significant scientific research. Over the years, the Dick Microscope underwent several iterations, with various modifications made to improve its design and functionality. Although these microscopes were produced for many years, they were always considered premium instruments, and as a result, their numbers were limited. Today, surviving examples of the Dick Microscope are rare, and many are missing essential components such as the slotted eyepiece or waveplates. The Operation of the Dick Microscope The Dick Petrographic Microscope was designed for examining thin sections of minerals using polarized light, a key technique in petrographic analysis. The microscope’s construction allows for the observation of mineralogical structures in ways that are not possible with conventional optical microscopes. Key to its functionality is the polarizer, which sits beneath the stage, and the analyzer, positioned above the stage. These two components are crucial for creating "crossed polars," a method that significantly enhances the visibility of mineral structures by utilizing polarized light. Here’s how it works: 1. Polarized Light: When light passes through the polarizer, only waves vibrating in one direction are allowed through. When no sample is on the stage and the analyzer is aligned at 90 degrees to the polarizer, the field of view appears black—a condition known as "extinction." 2. Anisotropic Materials: When a mineral sample, specifically an anisotropic material (one that has different properties depending on direction), is placed on the stage, it alters the path of the polarized light. Instead of the black field seen during extinction, various colors or interference patterns appear, depending on the mineral’s optical properties and its orientation relative to the light. 3. Crossed Polars and Rotation: The Dick Microscope’s main innovation is the synchronized gearing mechanism that allows both the polarizer and analyzer to rotate together. This eliminates the need to manually rotate the stage and re-center the objective lens—a process that could be tedious and required great precision. With the polarizer and analyzer moving in unison, the specimen remains stationary, allowing for smooth and efficient analysis of even the smallest mineral grains. 4. Mineral Identification: By observing the way light interacts with the mineral as the polarizer and analyzer rotate, geologists can identify minerals based on their optical properties, such as birefringence, pleochroism, and extinction angles. This technique is especially useful for studying thin sections of rocks, where the optical properties of individual mineral grains provide clues to their composition and formation history. 5. Waveplates and Additional Features: Many petrographic microscopes, including the Dick model, were equipped with accessories like waveplates, which help to determine additional optical properties of minerals, such as their optical sign (positive or negative). However, many surviving examples of the Dick Microscope lack these additional features, possibly due to wear or loss over time. Significance in Geological Research - The Dick Microscope represents an importatn step in petrographic microscopy. By simplifying the process of rotating polarizers and analyzers, it facilitated the study of mineral structures, making it easier for geologists to carry out precise optical analysis. This design innovation became particularly valuable in the field of geology, where the accurate identification and analysis of minerals are essential for understanding rock formation and the Earth's history. The instrument's role in early 20th-century geological expeditions, such as those to Antarctica, underscores its importance in scientific discovery. The high precision and quality of the microscope made it a valuabel tool for researchers working in some of the most challenging environments on Earth. References - Bracegirdle, B. *Microscopes: A Short History*. - Powell, J. "The Evolution of the Petrographic Microscope." *Journal of Geological Sciences*, 1901.
A mixed lot to include a cased medal commemorating the Centenary of the Derbyshire Mining and Customs and Mineral Courts Act of 1852, another commemorating the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in the diocese of New York, five brass bedroom door knockers, Indian handwoven prayer mat and other items Location:If there is no condition report shown, please request
Bachmann Branchline OO gauge rolling stock, including 33-500A 14 tonne tank wagon BP Oil, 33-375 16 tonne pressed end door steel mineral wagon, 33-551A 46 tonne G.L.W. hopper wagon H.S.A Railfreight, 33-126 35 tonne bulk grain wagon B.T.R Vat 69, 33-551 46 tonne G.L.W. hopper wagon H.E.A Railfreight, 33-127 35 tonne bulk grain wagons B.T.R Johnnie Walker, etc., boxed.
An archaic alabaster footed bowl, possibly Egyptian, mineral encrustation, 15.25cm diameter, 8.5cm high Weathered condition particularly around the rim to half way down the main body and again on the top of the foot, otherwise good order.PLEASE NOTE:- Prospective buyers are strongly advised to examine personally any goods in which they are interested BEFORE the auction takes place. Whilst every care is taken in the accuracy of condition reports, Gorringes provide no other guarantee to the buyer other than in relation to forgeries. Many items are of an age or nature which precludes their being in perfect condition and some descriptions in the catalogue or given by way of condition report make reference to damage and/or restoration. We provide this information for guidance only and will not be held responsible for oversights concerning defects or restoration, nor does a reference to a particular defect imply the absence of any others. Prospective purchasers must accept these reports as genuine efforts by Gorringes or must take other steps to verify condition of lots. If you are unable to open the image file attached to this report, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-send your images on a separate e-mail.
Lot to include two Beswick Siamese cat figures and one similar, a Masons Ironstone cup and saucers and a decorative ornament in the form of a tree fromed from brass wire and gemstones on a mineral base, included certificate states the gemstones to be peridot. [W] Condition Report: Cats appear in good condition with no significant damage.
2005 BMW 630i Coupe Automatic Petrol. Registration number: RL05 WSF. Mileage: 146,223. Finished in Mineral silver with a full cream leather interior. High spec BMW 6 series that includes, electric memory heated seats, air conditioning with climate control, cruise control, electric glass tilt sunroof, built in DVD player and also the BMW I drive system. Full service history with the last service having been carried out at 142,000 including recent new tryes all round. Long MOT until 6th of April 2025. A great way into luxury motoring, which also benefits from being ULEZ compliant. Please note that buyers premium is 10% plus VAT (total 12% inc VAT) on all cars and motorbikes, subject to a minimum of £150 plus VAT. Please be aware that all lots are sold as seen and without any warranty implied or given. You must satisfy your knowledge as to a vehicles description and condition before you decide to bid. We recommend that you inspect the lot in person during the general viewing days held prior to the auction day on the 2nd of October. If you are unable to attend one of the viewing days, Ewbanks can arrange for an individual telephone/walk round video call appointment with a car expert. Please refer to the terms and conditions. Viewing days: Saturday 21st of September: 10am - 2pm, Monday 23rd of September: 9am - 5pm, Tuesday 24th of September: 9am-7pm. Wednesday 25th of September : 9am-5pm, Thursday 26th of September: 9am-5pm, Friday 27th of September : 9am-5pm, Monday 30th of September: 9am - 5pm, Tuesday 1st of October: 9am-5pm. Morning of the Auction on Friday 2nd of October.
A rake of 0 Gauge 'Windcutter' mineral Wagons (23+), all based on Triang/Lima BR open wagons, most with added weight and detailing, converted to 3-link couplers, 23 complete + parts of another kit-built example, mostly G, some with plastic and some metal finescale wheels, all appear insulated for 2-rail running (23+)
Dapol Peco Langley and other N gauge rolling stock and accessories (qty), comprising in original boxes Dapol NC024 GWR B set coach, 2A-019 Mineral wagon chassis, Peco Railway Houses kit, Peco platform edging, Rerailer, Langley Miniature and other white metal accessories mostly crossing gates and traffic lights (53), Oxford diecast vehicles (7), Base models lorry (1), G-VG, boxes G-VG, (qty)
Hornby 00 Gauge rakes of boxed Goods wagons including Barrow LMS and Furniture Vans (24), R006 'Barrow' Coke Wagons (7, two in incorrect boxes), R6722 LMS grey Loco Coal Open wagons (3) and grey LMS Brake Van, R6016 and R6124B BR grey Hoppers, R6013 LMS grey conflat and LMS maroon Furniture Container (4), R239 BR brown mineral wagon (2) and R718 LMS brown Brake Van, R296 yellow Track Cleaning Coach and R089 yellow and grey Service Brake Van, R040 Tildsley 4 Plank wagon (2), all in original Hornby boxes, VG-E, boses G-VG (24)
Hornby Margate 00 Gauge boxed Steam and Diesel Locomotves Coaches and Goods Rolling Stock (20) R378 LNER green Class D49/1 2753 'Cheshire' and R751 BR blue Co-Co Diesel D6831, R409 and R410 BR ex LNER Composite and Brake Coach,R126 Car Transporter (no cars), R633 Freightliner wagon with two Containers, various 4-wheel wagons (13 including four R243 Mineral wagons and three R009 Ocean Open Wagons ), Hand M Clipper Controller, all in original boxes, generally VG, boxes F-G (20)
Bachmann 00 gauge Locomotives and wagons in original boxes (7), comprising 32651 Class 44 Diesel Locomotive BR blue 44008 'Penyghent', 32112 Class 08 Diesel BR green D3336, 37026 Open wagon Arenig (2), 37251 Steel Mineral wagon, 37076 7 plank open Douglas Bank, 37075 similar Coldendale, VG-E, boxes VG-E, (7)
Bachmann early Hornby Locomotives coaches and wagons (27), comprising in original boxes Bachamnn 32378 Class 37 Diesel Locomotive grey/white 37431 'Bullidae', Hornby R727 Composte coach (2 one unboxed), R425 Parcels brake (2 one unboxed), R243 Mineral wagon (3), R215 Grain wagon (3), Brake vans (2), Box vans (4), Open wagons (3), R344 Track cleaner, unboxed Mark 1 Restaurant car, short Royal Mail van, Class 08 Diesel shunter BR green D3035, 0-4-0 diesel shunter BR green D2907, BR blue DMU Power car, unpowered matching Driving car, F-VG, Boxes G-VG, (27)
Lima Shunter set with Lima Airfix Hornby Wrenn wagons 00 gauge in original boxes (16), comprising Lima set 108844 incomplete with four wheel Diesel shunter green D2785 and two long wheelbase wagons not track, but added to the set four assorted Airfix wagons, Lima wooden mineral wagons (4 different), Wrenn W5042 Esso tanker, W5061 Shell tanker, W5065 Birds Eye van, Mainline Open mineral, conflat , tank wagon, Airfix 54052 Lowmac with trailer, Hornby R242 Vent van (3), Milk van, sausage van, brake van G-VG, boxes F-VG, (16)
Hornby Mainline Bachmann 00 gauge Locomotives Coaches and wagons with diecast vehicles (qty), comprising in original boxes Mainline 37054 J72 class 0-6-0 LNER green 581, Bachmann 31601 V1 class 2-6-2 BR black 67601, Hornby R760 27xx class 0-6-0PT GW green 2776, R228 Pullman cars Ruth, Anne, Car 79 (3), R4674 teak finish Four wheel coach (3), similar unboxed GW chocolate/cream coaches (4), Stanier coaches LMS maroon (3), LMS Mail coach, Hornby assorted wagons (6), Dapol van, Dublo assorted wagons (4), Kit-built mineral, Metcalfe Castle card kits unbuilt (5), Superquick unbuilt kits (3), Lledo boxed diecast vehicles (7), unboxed traction engine , G-VG, boxes F-VG, (qty)
Hornby Airfix Mainline Lima and other 00 gauge wagons in original boxes (28), including Wrenn W5019 Mica van, W5026 mineral Park Ward, W4657 United Dairies tank, Hornby R030 Container flat, R124 Car transporter, vans tanks and opens (8), Lima 305670 Bogie stone, 305640 Rail Express van, 305703 Milk tanks (2), open and vans (2), Mainline assorted coal wagons (4), Airfix Tanker van and coal wagons (3), Replica and Dapol minerals (2), VG-E, boxes G-VG, (28)
Hornby Mainline Tri-ang and other 00 gauge wagons (44), comprising in original boxes Tri-ang R124 brake van, R340 three containers, R781 coke, R16 Brake, R243 Mineral, unboxed bogie containers (3), GUV van maroon , Siphon vans (2), Bogie Fuel tank , Bachmann Bogie bolsters with loads (2), Hornby Horse boxes (2), Brake vans (3), Closed vans (7), Containers (2), Open minerals (8), six wheel milk, Jouef/Lima H0 wagons (3), other wagons (4), F-G, boxes P-F, (44)
Hornby Tri-ang Airfix Lima and other 00 gauge Private Owner Open and closed wagons (59), including Hornby Palethorpes long van , Prime Pork (3), other closed vans (7), Lima bogie van Martini, Ore hoppers (3), Coke wagons (5), open coal and mineral wagons (37), Lime wagon, Chemical tanker, F-G, (59)
Hornby Dublo Tri-ang Locomotive and rolling stock 00 gauge (15), comprising Hornby Dublo 2-rail Castle class 4-6-0 BR green 4075 'Cardiff Castle', Suburban coaches maroon (2), Stove six-wheel van, Cattle wagon, Refrigerator van, Esso tanker, Saxa salt, Container flat, open goods, Mineral, Tri-ang TC silver coaches (3), white metal kit probably K's of Fowler 3F 0-6-0 locomotive and tender with some extra brass frets part-completed no motor, F-G, (15)
Hornby Mainline Airfix and other 00 gauge wagons all in original boxes (36), comprising Hornby R730 Ferry van, R017 VDA van, R067 OAA Open, R249 HAA hopper wagons (2), assorted brake vans (12), R106 Sheep wagon (2), R125 Prestwin (2), assorted BR vans (4), R239 BR mineral (3), Farish 12403 SR van (2), Mainline 37426 Toad brake, 37137 Vent van, Dapol sand wagon, Airfix 54372 5 plank wagon, Replica 13502 brake, Lima horse box, G-VG, boxes G-VG, (36)
-
10039 item(s)/page