1912. Fabergé, Cold-Painted Bronze Figures of Kamer-Kazak Bodyguards (Russian).
 
Very rare, highly collectable and expertly crafted pair of Fabergé, signed cast and cold-painted bronze statues of A.A. Kudinov and N.N. Pustynnikov, personal Kamer-Kazak bodyguards of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. Kamer-Kazak's are presented in dress parade uniforms with badges and medals, the coats trimmed with Imperial Eagles, and cockaded fleece hats with gold braid.
 
Between 1908 and 1916, the workshops of the Russian court jeweler Carl Fabergé created approximately 50 hardstone figures representing the Russian people, including peasants, merchants, noblemen, and soldiers. Made from gems and precious metals, they are as rare as the well-known Imperial Easter eggs. The last Romanov emperor, Nicholas II, owned 21 of these portrait figures, two of which depict the Cossack bodyguards of the Romanov empresses.
 
In 1912, though there is little documented evidence of this, it is known that approximately fifty exquisite cold-painted bronze figurine pairs were cast, in the manner of the hardstone figures, by the workshop of Henrik Wigström, Chief Workmaster for Carl Fabergé. They were extremely sought after by Russian aristocrats and high-ranking officials of the early 20th century, often becoming exclusive gifts. It is known that Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, owned a pair, believed to still be in the Royal Family.

After the abolition of serfdom and the 1917 revolution, many Russian Aristocrats were persecuted, were forced to flee, or were killed, while a small number remained in Russia, often having to conceal their noble origins. As a result, luxury items such as these were often hidden or destroyed. It's not known how many of these figures have survived, and as a result, they are highly desirable to collectors.
 
There are two sizes of these figures, 38cm and 18.5cm. These particular Figures are 38cm in height. It is believed that the smaller Figures were created, around the same time, as toys for the children of the Russian aristocracy. The smaller figures are often in poor condition, as a result of being toys.
 
HISTORY:
 
Since the time of Nicholas II’s great-grandfather, Nicholas I, Russian emperors had assigned personal bodyguards to empresses and wives of heirs to the throne. Those appointed were Cossack non-commissioned officers from the emperor’s own escort or other elite guard units. Known as Chamber Cossacks, they served not as soldiers but as “court servants of the first category.” Their ceremonial dress, adapted from late 17th century Cossack and Russian attire, contrasted sharply with the Prussian-inspired livery of most other servants. As many as three Cossacks were assigned to an empress. They worked on a rotating basis, typically spending two weeks on duty and one week off. They were appointed for life and enjoyed privileges such as free lodging and health care. The Chamber Cossacks were mostly seen in public when an empress left her palace, occupying a seat of the royal carriage or automobile. They also accompanied her on trips outside of Russia.
 
HALLMARKS:
 
ФАБЕРЖЕ (Fabergé mark in Cyrillic)
Dated 1912
Kamer-Kazak since 1894 / A. Kudinov
Kamer-Kazak since 1894 / N. N. Pustynnikov
 
CONDITION:
 
Wear commensurate with age.
 
PROVENANCE:
 
Private Collection of Gregor Shargorodskayia (Florida, U.S.)