Column on square base of bowenite with gold and red enamel band and ties; the column is fluted and surmounted by a watercolour medallion of double jugate profiles of King Christian IX and Queen Louise of Denmark with frame of red guilloché enamel edged with pearls and diamond ties, cresting of pierced ribbon set with rose diamonds and pearls.

Frames mounted on columns were produced by Fabergé for the Imperial Cabinet to be supplied as official gifts from the Tsar. Fabergé continued to supply the model for other customers, including this example of bowenite, gold and enamel which is likely to have been produced in connection with the golden wedding anniversary of Queen Alexandra’s parents. Christian IX (1818–1906) married Louise of Hesse-Cassel (1817–1898) in 1842. Their six children all made prestigious marriages, notably their two eldest daughters, Dagmar, who became Tsarina Maria Feodorovna and Alexandra, who became Queen Alexandra, consort of King Edward VII.

Text adapted from Fabergé in the Royal Collection