Mastery of Design: An Automaton by Fabergé, circa 1900

Elephant Automaton
Carl Fabergé, circa 1900
Gold, Enamel, Silver, Ivory, Diamonds, Rubies
Presented to King George V by Queen Mary, 1929
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Here’s a peculiar and lovely little thing. When one thinks of Carl Fabergé, the mind immediately presents images of enameled and jeweled objects. That’s, indeed, what we have here. However, it’s got the added bonus of being an automaton.


Every so often, Fabergé would sneakily slip a jeweled automaton as a surprise into one of his celebrated eggs. This one, however, came all on its own. The gold and enamel figure of an elephant features silver details, rose-cut diamonds and cabochon rubies as well as ivory inlay. Wound with a key, the elephant “walks” by means of wee silver wheels in his elephant feet. He also swings his head back and forth and raises and lowers his trunk. His articulated tail will, occasionally, spin. He’s being “ridden” by a golden rider with an ivory turban.

This gorgeous automaton was given to King George V by Queen Mary (of Teck) for Christmas, 1929. Isn’t it wonderful? The elephant was kept in a vitrine with a collection of other Fabergé animals. (The others didn’t move.) Always organized, Queen Mary kept the box in which the elephant had been delivered and placed a detailed note inside the box which contained instructions on how to operate the automaton.

Cookies of the Day: Pecan Tassies and Gingerbread Cookies

Another two treats from my mother's kitchen, today, we have Pecan Tassies and gingerbread cookies.  

I always look forward to the Pecan Tassies.

These miniature pies are a hallmark of  the Southern United States. A beautifully tender cream-cheese-based crust holds a luscious filling of minced pecan and gooey brown sugar. You can even add chocolate chips! My mother drizzles each bite-sized tart with melted chocolate which adds another layer of scrumptious flavor. For all the joy of a pecan or derby pie in one handy package, a Pecan Tassie is the perfect Christmas cookie.

Next, we have the always-beloved gingerbread cookies.  

For as long as I remember, my mother’s famous gingerbread cookies have graced the Christmas table. Trees, bells, Santas, reindeer, fleurs-de-lys, ornaments, lights and people of assorted sizes, my mother decorates each one by hand.   And, this year, even my dad and I got to help decorate them.  We were each given our own piping bags and allowed to let our imaginations run free.  Each little person has his or her own personality. It’s almost a shame to eat them—almost.

GIfts of Grandeur: The Queen's Onyx Cup, 1845

Onyx Cup with Figural Base
Gold, Enamel, Turquoise, Rubies, Emeralds, Sapphires
French, Circa 1845
Purchased by Prince Albert
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II

One of Prince Albert’s favorite hobbies was finding pretty, little things to give to his beloved wife. To be true, his love of jewels and shiny things was equal to hers, and, I think, he took as much delight in finding these things as he did giving them to her.


This onyx cup with gold pedestal is set with dozens upon dozens of turquoise, opals, rubies, emeralds and sapphires surrounded by additional gold and enamel-work. While the reverse is unsigned, it is most likely the work of the Parisian House of Marrel Frères who were known for their Renaissance-style gold work and jewelry.

Prince Albert presented this cup to his wife, Queen Victoria, on Christmas Eve of 1845. She wrote of it in her journal that night calling it a, “Beautiful little cup set in enamel and precious stones.” It has remained in the Royal Collection ever since.

Sunday Morning Special: Happy Howl-i-days

Silent night, silly night...settle in with some Sugarplum Nightmares 
First with Hector the Dog.




And Rudolph (the Jam Handy version). Enjoy Rudolph's mom's fine legs.



And, finally, follow the bouncing hen fruit.

Our Holiday Posting Schedule

Once again, Christmas has crept up on me.  I'm totally unprepared for it and have really done nothing that I normally would do to celebrate the holiday.  So, in light of that, Bertie, Mr. Punch and I will be taking some time off to make merry.

Mr. Punch of Belgrave Square will be back on December 27 as will our regular posts.  If you've missed any chapters of the story, you can always catch up in the Chapter Archive.

Make sure to come back tomorrow for some Christmastime fun, and a look at some more cookies.  There just may be a few surprises for you as well.  

But, after that, it's all naps and dinner around here until the 27th.  

Print of the Day: A Christmas Card from 1890

The Victoria & Albert Museum

This Christmas card with deckled edges (rough or feathered), features a recessed and partly cut-out front which depicts Father Christmas cycling through the snow with his famous sack of presents on his back. "A MERRY CHRISTMAS" is printed on the front with a doll, ball and two Christmas crackers (The U.K. holiday tradition of paper tubes filled with gifts and a motto. The tubes are sealed with cardboard coated with gunpowder. When pulled from each end to open, they make a popping or cracking sound which Bertie dislikes.) to one side.

The wording inside reads: 

"Here's good old father Christmas 
On his bicycle astride 
May he bring you lots of presents 
And a merry Christmas-tide" 


The artwork was created by Ernest Nister in London and the card was printed in Bavaria. It is signed "To Amy from Sissy"

Object of the Day: A Victorian Christmas Postcard

Click on image to see our friend.

I can’t make out the year on the postmark, but I’d say this postcard was mailed in the early 1900s. It has all the hallmarks of an Edwardian Christmas postcard with nods to the past and “the future.” Father Christmas is, instead of a sleigh, driving a roadster. It’s loaded with toys, but, I’ll bet you can guess which of them is the reason I have this card.

Yup. There he is! Playing the cymbals. It’s our Mr. Punch. Punch and Santa, it seems, have a long history together. 

It’s really quite a lovely card, beautifully printed and embossed. And, the Christmas wish from Anna, whoever she was, is just as pleasant now as when she sent it to friends in Omaha.