An Imperial presentation jewelled gold ring, St Petersburg, 1856

centred with an opal within circular-cut diamonds, the inside of the shank engraved: Présenté par I.M. L'Empereur de toutes les Russies à Henry Bradbury 1857, with maker's mark A.P. or A.B. in Latin, 72 standard. size y 3/4. Est. 6,000—8,000 GBP. Lot Sold 9,375 GBP

PROVENANCE: The engraved inscription presumably refers to the great English naturist, Henry Bradbury (1831-1860), whose work, The Ferms of Great Britain and Ireland (1855), was well-known in European Courts.

NOTE: For a discussion of Imperial gifts without Imperial emblems, including an illustration (p. 228) of a similar presentation ring set with an emerald and given by Emperor Alexander II to inventor Vladimir S. Baranovskii in 1875, see U. Tillander-Godenhielm, The Russian Imperial Award System, 1894-1917, 2005, pp. 220-235.

Sotheby's. Russian Works of Art, Fabergé and Icons. 10 Jun 09. London www.sothebys.com