This unusual rock crystal desk clock was presented to Queen Victoria by her granddaughter Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna around 1900. On receipt of the news of the death of Tsar Alexander III, on 1 November 1894, the Queen wrote of the new Tsar and Tsarina in her journal 'What a terrible load of responsibility & anxiety has been laid upon the poor Children! I had hoped and trusted they would have many years of comparative quiet & happiness before ascending this thorny throne'. The majority of Fabergé's clocks are in the form of gold strut clocks, enamelled in a wide variety of colours and set with gemstones in gold. This clock of rock crystal is engraved with trophies incorporating torches and a quiver as well as musical attributes. The rock crystal panels are divided by four gold arrows set with rubies and diamonds. The white enamel dial is surrounded by a bezel of green enamelled laurel with diamond-set ribbon ties. Following Queen Victoria's death, the clock was used by King George V; he kept it on his desk at Buckingham Palace.

Mark of Michael Perchin; silver mark of 88 zolotniks (1896-1908)

Text adapted from Fabergé in the Royal Collection