Paper knife with carved opal blade and flat gold handle, St. Petersburg, circa 1900, unmarked but almost certainly by Faberge, the gold handle engine-turned on both sides in moire pattern, covered with superb shot-with-gold, lilac-pink enamel, further decorated with bands of white opaque enamel set with tiny rose-cut diamonds, painted with black enamel garlands. The gold and enamel handle is 3 7/16 in. (8,8 cm) long and 1 3/16 in. (3 cm) wide. Total length 8 1/4 in. (21 cm). There is a minor restoration to enamel near the bolster, where the garlands are.
The only metal area not covered with enamel is the narrow gold rim which is just 1 mm wide (less than 1/16 in.) and is not suitable for hallmarking without damaging the piece. That explains the fact that the paper knife is not marked. The shape, the color, and quality of enamel, as well as the design of decorations are pure Faberge. The color of enamel is similar to the color of Faberge Lilies of the Valley egg and Duchess of Marlborough Egg.
$19,000.00
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