RUSSIAN SILVER SAMORODOK CIGARETTE CASE with RUBIES
This is a Russian silver samorodok cigarette case adorned with ruby stones and featuring a silver push-thumb lock. Samorodok is a technique that creates a beautifully textured nugget-like effect on the surface, resembling tree bark. Achieved by heating the silver to a temperature just below the melting point and then cooling it abruptly in water, it is a very difficult technique to master, making samorodok quite rare.
HALLMARKS: Hallmarked with the mark of the manufacturer and the Russian silver proof mark. Also marked 'FA' in Cyrillic for Feodor Afanassiev (active 1883-1907) FABERGE workmaster - please see the information below.
CONDITION: Overall condition good. Shows light signs of wear and age on box. For further information, please refer to the pictures.
PROVENANCE: 1. From collection, representing the THIRD generation of Russian emigration in the USA; 2. Antique Arena Inc, Brooklyn, NY, USA, February 19, 2022 (the winner will receive this information); 3. Our sale of this item adds another layer of provenance. History of sale is very IMPORTANT for serious collection.
DIMENSIONS: 4 1/4 x 3 1/8 inches (11 x 8 cm). Weight: 192 grams.
ESTIMATED PRICE: $1,000 - $6,000 (significantly lower than today's market price). You have a GREAT CHANCE to purchase a rare item for your collection, and over the years, its price will only INCREASE.
HISTORY of SALES: A few years ago, Russian silver samorodok cigarette cases were sold on Sotheby's and Christie's for $4,850 (16 years ago), $5,950 (9 years ago), $8,125 (11 years ago), and $9,250 (15 years ago) - please refer to the screenshots for details. Today, prices have significantly increased compared to those of 5-10 years ago.
WARRANTY: The buyer has 7 days to inspect items valued at up to $5,000 and 15 days for items valued at $5,000 or more. Items can be returned to the seller for a refund; please refer to the Terms for more details.
NO RESERVE: More than 70% of all auctioned items have NO reserve price. Among the remaining items, there is a very reasonable reserve price set.
PAYMENT: Payment can be made with a Credit Card, Zelle, PayPal (for international bidders), Wire Transfer, Check, or Money Order. You can also suggest other methods of payment. Canadian winners can make payments to a Canadian Bank in CAD via Check, Money Order, Wire Transfer, or Interac e-Transfer.
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EXCHANGE: If you find an item in our auction that you like, you have the option to exchange it for your collectible items of equivalent estimated value. Additionally, you can use your items as PART of the PAYMENT for a winning item; please feel free to inquire about this new and exciting feature.
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PLEASE NOTE: If you want to buy this item, please make a bid now. Any offer is welcome. Some lots that do not have any bids on them will be CLOSED THREE days before the auction starts and will not be included in it. Currently, there are 700+ items available for preview, but there will be ONLY 400 items in the Live Auction.

A LIFETIME WARRANTY is provided for the originality of this particular item manufactured during the described period of time.
BEST INVESTMENT: If you are an individual or an investment company concerned about preserving your capital in these uncertain times, items with a LIFETIME WARRANTY are the best way to do so. Consider this: traditional banks typically offer annual returns of 1-3% on your funds, while inflation exceeds 5%. In contrast, collectible items with a LIFETIME WARRANTY can yield a minimum profit of 30-50% per year - with no associated risks. Some of our items with a LIFETIME WARRANTY have the potential to generate immediate profits of 100% or even more!! By the way, our estimated price is much lower than the market price for this item now. Please explore our "HISTORY of SALES" section and look at the screenshots for samples of similar items sold at renowned auctions, such as Sotheby's, Christie's, Live Auctioneers, eBay, and more. The choice is YOURS.

WORKMASTER: Feodor Alexeievich Afanasiev was apprenticed to the silversmith E. Sistonen 1883 and 1888 and worked as a journeyman, for the jeweller Karl Bokh from 1888 to 1907. While employed by Bock, he worked on his master's degree, was granted his rights and certificate in 1907, and allowed to use a master's mark, the use of which was strictly enforced by assay laws in Imperial Russia. Thereafter he ran a small workshop for Faberge at 24 Bolshaya Morskaya specializing in miniature Easter Eggs, small articles made of silver-gilt and guilloche enamel and hardstone objects mounted with enameled silver-gilt mounts. His mark is 'FA' in Russian Cyrillic.

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