A Russian Imperial Reeded Nephrite and Translucent Pink Enameled Gold Mounted Parasol Handle Attributed to Fabergé, and to Henrik Wigström, St. Petersburg, 1903-1917 4-5/8 x 0-3/4 inches (11.7 x 1.9 cm) 84 grams PROVENANCE: Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, by repute; Hammer Collection of Imperial Treasures, circa 1930s; United States Private Collection, acquired from the above; John Atzbach Antiques, Bellevue, Washington, acquired from the above; Private Collection, acquired from the above. This exceptional parasol handle has all the qualities of an Imperial work with its reeded nephrite handle, delicate pink guilloche enamel and well-chased mounts, but it bears no marks, and has no inventory numbers. The handle does, however, appear in a Hammer Galleries 1938 catalogue, where it is described as by Fabergé, and having belonged to the Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. For many years these imperial provenances from Armand Hammer were regarded largely as imaginative marketing, but study in recent years has revealed that Hammer provenances are correct more often than one would think. Armand Hammer, an American industrialist and philanthropist, played a significant role in acquiring and promoting Russian art following the Russian Revolution. In the 1920s, Hammer established business ties with Soviet authorities and used these connections to purchase a vast collection of Russian art, including icons, paintings, and jewelry. His acquisitions were often obtained from Soviet government sales, as the regime sought to raise funds by selling cultural treasures confiscated from churches, aristocrats, and museums. Hammer became a key figure in introducing Russian art to the West, displaying these works in exhibitions and contributing to their appreciation globally. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved