Silver Table Bell In The Shape Of A Hare, By Viktor Aarne For The Fabergé House, Russia.

An elegant silver table bell with a fineness of 84 zolotniks, crafted in the shape of a hare, representing a remarkable example of Fabergé’s animal sculpture at the turn of the 20th century. The composition depicts a hare on the prowl, crouched low to the ground with its body stretched out and ears pricked up, capturing a moment of intense alertness. The modeling is distinguished by exceptional naturalism, achieved through a combination of casting and fine chiseling.

The hare’s eyes are set with garnets and also serve as buttons that activate the bell mechanism, illustrating the technical ingenuity characteristic of Fabergé’s creations. The lower section is closed by an ebonite panel concealing the electrical mechanism. The master’s hallmark is stamped beneath the tail. This object elegantly combines decorative sculpture, functionality, and innovation.

Hallmarks: St. Petersburg hallmark “84,” dated 1899–1903; hallmark of master assayer Yakov Liapunov; master’s hallmark “VA” for Viktor Aarne; made for Fabergé.

Dimensions: Length approximately 18 cm.

Weight: 391 g.

Condition: Good condition. Silver with an even patina. Mechanism intact. Slight signs of age and wear consistent with its age. No deformations or restorations.

Provenance: Christie’s, Geneva, 1980, lot 22; Christie’s, April 11, 2003, lot 99.

ID-ANTQ-6504