Russian Imperial Guard helmet from Fabergé’s head workmaster up for auction

The march is on for a historic Russian Imperial Guard miniature helmet from Fabergé’s former head workmaster which is set to sell for thousands at Fellows Auctioneers. Erik August Kollin (1836 – 1901), was famous for working exclusively for Fabergé in the 19^th century, and he created this distinctive locket. Circa 1885, the locket depicts the headwear of the Imperial Guards’ Horse Regiment in the Russian Empire. The item features as Lot 23 in Fellows’ first Fine Jewellery sale of 2021. With an estimate of £1,800 – £2,400, the helmet locket will go under the hammer on 21^st January.

Erik August Kollin’s workmaster marks are inscribed on the item. Kollin, born in Finland in 1836, worked as a leading jeweller at Fabergé for 14 years. He was made head workmaster in 1872 by Carl Fabergé, Gustav Fabergé’s son. Kollin was in charge of Fabergé’s workshops until his role was replaced in 1886. He designed lots of alluring jewellery, including the locket for sale at Fellows.

The locket going under the hammer at Fellows contains the Imperial Russian eagle crest, is gold and silver, and features a 56 Zolotnik mark (Russian gold weight). The body of the double-headed eagle showcases St. George slaying a dragon. The locket opens and offers two frame compartments. It is of 3.7cms in length and the locket weighs 15.1gms. Fellows is offering free shipping on the purchase of the item to anywhere in the world.

Helmets such as the one depicted in this locket were worn by the Russian Imperial Guard throughout the 19^th century up until the regiment was disbanded after the October Revolution in 1917. The Horse Regiment served many different Russian emperors (Tsars) for hundreds of years. The Guards were enlisted to assist in multiple battles and wars in this period, such as the Crimean War (1853 – 1856), and at numerous points in the Russo– Turkish wars.

Ben Randall, Jewellery Specialist at Fellows Auctioneers, said: “It is a delight to be able to offer something with such emotive narrative, the fall of a dynasty, the history of a people and unimaginable luxury, encapsulated in such a small piece. Pre-Revolutionary pieces by manufacturers such as Fabergé are increasingly uncommon on the open market. The sustained demand for such items is made obvious by their quality of manufacture and novelty of design. We hope that the next owner is as thrilled as we were to add this treasure to their collection.”

The Fine Jewellery sale is set to be Fellows’ first flagship jewellery auction of 2021. The auction, alongside other sales of jewellery, is live now. Due to current restrictions, Fellows is now unable to hold physical viewings of these items but the lots can all be viewed by booking a virtual viewing with the auction house. Virtual viewings can be arranged be simply clicking “book a viewing” on the auction page or by contacting Fellows directly.