What sort of badge was worn at the Imperial Court of Russia

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

All observers say and assess that what comes from Russia is in the top fashion of the time being, and that greatly interested Russian buyers are keen to reconstitute their past.

We also know that everything coming from imperial origines of all countries make collectors and scholars dreaming.

The brooch (the word used in English by Sotheby's is badge), which is lot 540 of the sale of Sotheby's in London on June 12, comes from the crown jewels of Imperial Russia. In imposing size (13 x 9 cm, 160 grams), its low estimate of 400 K£ is even less surprising when we know that it is covered with 45 carats of diamonds.

Its drawing, very fine, has two bodies: the main part is an eagle with two heads and with wings and tail deployed. This one is partly covered by a cross of St Andrew with the image of the saint. Over it, there is the beautiful image of the imperial crown. All of this is in diamonds except the eyes of the eagle which are rubies and beaks and claws which are gold.

The jewel was made around 1800 as a decoration of the Order of St. Andrew. It was a privilege of the tsar's family to wear this type of decorations in the great occasions of the State. The descent from that piece is known: given by the Imperial family to the ducal family of Oldenburg, it returned in 1890 to Empress Maria Feodorovna, who wore it.

The estimate is very open, with a high estimate at 600 K £. But is there really a price for such a treasure?

[Pierre Tavlitzki]

The treasure has now a price: £ 2.7 million charge included.

It is an excellent result which will refer.