LARGE RUSSIAN SILVER and ENAMEL EGG, 1st ARTEL

LARGE RUSSIAN SILVER and ENAMEL EGG, 1st ARTEL
LARGE RUSSIAN IMPERIAL SILVER and ENAMEL EGG, 1st ARTEL
Extremely nice job as any items made by 1st Aetel.
The item is very nice made and has a maker marks: Silver marked 88 standard and workmaster's mark '1stA' in Cyrillic for First Artel, famous Russian Artel. Many of Faberge silvermasters worked in 1st Artel - please see information bellow.
Has ornate floral design depicting the Russian palace, XB letters. Gold wash interior.
Provenance: Ex Joseph Saidian Collection to present owner by descent.
CONDITION: The item is described to the best of our knowledge. Please refer to pictures and email with any questions.
LARGE SIZE: 3 3/4 inches high (10 cm).
ESTIMATE PRICE: $4,000 - $5,000.
You have a GREAT CHANCE to purchase a unique item for your collection - over the years it will only increase in price.
HISTORY of SALES: A few years ago silver enamel eggs made by Russian Artels were sold on Live Auctioneer for $3,300, $4,000 and $6,000 (in 2012, 2013, 2016) - please see the screenshots.
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WIKIPEDIA: The First Silver Artel was a group of silver and gold workmen in Russia active at the beginning of the 20th century. Before retiring, Julius Rappoport wished to reward his workmen for their long and faithful service and left his workshop and all its equipment to them. The first Silversmith's Artel was thus formed, and the House of Faberge decided to promote the cooperative experiment by granting the group credit and commissions. The Artel worked from 1909 and used productions molds, including the animal figures, from Rappoport's stock, marking its products with ICA and the Imperial Warrant mark. After two or three years of internal discord, increases in the cost of production, and declines in quality, the Artel ceased to exist, circa 1912-13.