This case was made in Henrik Wigström’s workshop and is in a restrained Louis XVI style, typical of Wigström’s output for Fabergé. The Fabergé firm was renowned for its enamelling and the broad range of colours and designs in which it was able to apply the technique. Dark blue was among the most prized and popular colours from the palette of 80 shades featured in a chart that hung in the workshops of the firm. The wave and polka dot pattern engraved into the gold of this case beneath the enamel (using a rose engine or tour à guilloché) enhances the richness of the colour. The case was acquired by Queen Mary before 1936. Mark of Henrik Wigström; gold mark of 56 zolotniks (1896-1908); Fabergé in Cyrillic characters