Fabergé
Cairn Terrier c. 1907
Agate, rose diamonds | 4.5 x 6.0 x 1.8 cm (whole object) | RCIN 40047
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A Cairn terrier, carved in parti-coloured translucent agate with rose diamond eyes.
Cairn terriers were owned by both King George V and his sister Princess Victoria. Princess Victoria's terrier, Mac, was a lively example of the breed and travelled with her, even on board the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert. King George V owned numerous terriers, including Happy, a cross-breed acquired in 1904. Much later the King owned two Cairn terriers, Snip and, finally, Bob, who outlived his master. This charming portrait model is most likely to be one of the favourite royal pets of either the Prince of Wales or Princess Victoria. In 1908 Queen Alexandra purchased a number of Sandringham animals from Fabergé's London branch, including a 'Welsh Terrier Dog, in agate' at a cost of £14 10s 0d. Later the Marquis de Soveral, a Portuguese diplomat and friend of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, purchased 'a dog, scotch terrier of brown agate' for £17 10s 0d.
Text adapted from Fabergé's Animals: A Royal Farm in MiniatureProvenance
Commissioned by King Edward VII (the Sandringham Commission)
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Creator(s)
(jeweller) -
Medium and techniques
Agate, rose diamonds
Measurements
4.5 x 6.0 x 1.8 cm (whole object)