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Lost Fabergé Egg Found at Antiques Market
20 Oct
Summary
- A gold egg bought for scrap metal was identified as a lost Fabergé Imperial Easter Egg.
- The 1887 egg, commissioned by Emperor Alexander III, is one of only 42 known.
- The rediscovered treasure was sold privately for an estimated $33 million.
A serendipitous discovery at an antiques market has brought a long-lost Fabergé Imperial Easter Egg back to public view. What began as a $14,000 scrap metal purchase by a Midwest dealer, hoping for a quick profit from its gold and watch components, transformed into the recovery of a significant piece of Russian history. The object was identified as an 1887 Imperial Easter Egg, commissioned by Emperor Alexander III for Empress Maria Feodorovna.
This exquisite egg is one of the celebrated 50 Imperial eggs created by Fabergé, with only 42 currently accounted for. Its survival is particularly noteworthy given the turmoil following the Russian Revolution, when many imperial treasures were seized and subsequently sold abroad. The egg's journey from revolutionary Russia to a Midwest kitchen counter remains a mystery, though speculation suggests it may have passed through collector Armand Hammer.
After its rediscovery and confirmation by experts in London, the priceless artifact was reportedly sold to a private collector for approximately $33 million. It was later displayed at Wartski, marking its first public appearance in 112 years, emerging from obscurity to reclaim its place in history.
