Mastery of Design: The Tsar Nicholas II Cigarette Case, 1896

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Courtesy of Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II

 
Made in 1896 for Fabergé  by August Hollming (1854-1913), this cigarette case of gold, brilliant-cutdiamonds, and a cabochon sapphire was commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II.  It is said to have been the tsar’s favorite case. 

After the death of the tsar, the case somehow found its way (no doubt through the machinations of Queen Mary) into the collection of King George VI who also favored the case and used it often.