The original Egg was made for Tsar Alexander III to give to his wife, the Empress Maria Fedorovna for Easter 1892. It is thought that the original surprise was a mechanized elephant, and the base consists of 3 cherubs which supported the Egg. Over the years since the Revolution both the surprise and the base disappeared and only the Egg remained. Fabergé added a base using an old photograph as a model, and a surprise that they felt was appropriate. The surprise is not original to the Egg.

The Base of the Egg is three cherubs in various positions carrying the Egg on their backs. It is thought that the cherubs represent Alexander's three sons. The Egg is green enamel guilloché divided by a diamond set trellis that overlays the entire Egg. Within each diamond shaped segment the guilloché is chased in a starburst design. Inside, slightly recessed, is a statue of Samson fighting the Lion surrounded by a tiny rim set with seed pearls. The base of the Egg has a cabachon ruby stone set in a gold bezel. All metal decor is gold plated sterling silver. This Egg has a bale for wearing.

Retail: $500.00. Our price: $459.90.