Introducing a cute antique silver bulldog with ruby eyes, crafted for the Russian Imperial court by one of Carl Fabergé’s finest jewelers, Julius Rappoport. Julius Rappoport created most of the elegant silver animal figurines for the House of Fabergé. These pieces served various purposes—from wine jugs and bell buttons to lighters and decorative objects—or simply as delightful collectibles. His earliest works date back to 1890.
Animal figurines crafted during the Fabergé era were immensely popular among buyers of that era. With great dedication, the masters created miniature representations of beloved pets, especially dogs! These exquisite works of art were collected and exchanged as gifts among members of the imperial family.
An interesting fact: among the personal belongings of Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, which were transported to Moscow by the Provisional Government, there were about a hundred figurines by her beloved Fabergé. A special place in her collection was occupied by elephants—the heraldic symbol of her native Denmark—and dogs (bulldogs and pugs). Perhaps this was due to the fact that her husband, Emperor Alexander III, was affectionately called "bulldog" within his family during childhood. 😊
Some of Rappoport’s creations are held in the Kremlin Armory and the Hermitage Museum. His figurines are renowned for their intricate detailing, while Fabergé’s works stand out for their exceptional realism—though the firm was not the first to craft silver animal figures.
This dog features: Dimensions: 65 mm (length) × 37 mm (width) × 33 mm (height); Weight: 66.5 grams; Eyes: Two tiny rubies
Hallmarks: "α" (St. Petersburg Assay Office mark); women’s head facing right (1908 date mark); 88 - Russian Imperial silver standard; double-headed eagle (imperial Russian crest); "К.Фаберже" (K.Fabergé in Cyrillic) "I.P." (Julius Rappoport’s maker’s mark)
This charming bulldog figurine isn't in perfect condition, unfortunately. There's noticeable wear on the muzzle; we believe a previous owner may have cleaned with something too harsh, which damaged the surface. It might be possible to fix it up. We've priced it with all these flaws in mind.
A whimsical and cute antique treasure, this bulldog is sure to bring a smile to your face and a touch of history to your collection.