#11414 • Karl Faberge Obsidian Hippo W/Diamond & 18K Eyes

Part of Russian Estate Jewelry,Faberge,Coins & More (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: Sold

Est. $1,000,000-$1,500,000 Karl Faberge Hand-Carved Black Obsidian Hippo W/Genuine Diamond Eyes Set in Solid 72 Gold & Faberge Casket *Museum Quality Piece* - This gorgeous antique piece is made of solid carved Black Obsidian, and weighs a massive 5 pounds. The Obsidian has a beautiful black to silver iridescence, and the photos truly do not capture its true, infinite beauty. The hippopotamus also has genuine mine-cut diamond eyes that are set in solid 72 (Pre-Revolution Russian standard for 18K Gold), and measures a massive 8.6"L x 3.5"H x 3.4"W. To find a Faberge piece made by Karl Faberge HIMSELF, and in this large size is extremely rare. The piece is engraved on the back foot "K.F" (in Crylic), "IX" & "1916." These markings indicate that the piece was made by Karl Faberge, in 1916. We have sold a large portion of this collection at our auction house, and we have never seen a piece quite this lovely. We have only sold one other "Faberge" piece this large of a size, but we have never seen a piece made by "Karl Faberge" that is this large. If you were to see this piece in a store, it may be priced at over $1.5 million (if you can ever find one). This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own a piece of history made by the master himself. This piece is very rare, as most of the Faberge pieces found in today's market are examples of his "mini" works. This piece is a statuette, and is not a miniature item, making it highly sought-after by collectors all over the world.