This Faberge imperial enamel card case with gold and seed pearls mounts sold at auction recently. By workmaster Michael Perchin, its Imperial provenance was responsible for a hammer price of over £150,000 - more than 10 times its top estimate of £8,000 - £12,000.

Made between 1899 and 1903, it was a gift from the Empress Maria Feodorovna who purchased it at a cost of 310 roubles and presented it to HIH Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich or HIH Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna.

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