Antiques valuation sees Faberge item fetch £3k
It is thought the 19th-century wine taster was made by designer Faberge, typically better known for his iconic eggs.
An antiques valuation of a 19th-century Faberge wine taster, made of silver and silver gilt, and decorated with amethysts and rubies, has seen the item go under the hammer for £3,800.
This exceeded the antique price guide afforded the article by J P Humbert Auctioneers and experts, with Jonathan Humbert of the sale rooms noting that just bearing the Faberge name - more typically associated with eggs - was enough to generate a lot of attention, the Press Association reports.
"We had a great deal of international interest with bidders from across the world," he observed, adding that it is remarkable that, despite the recession, "people still continue to be interested in buying items like this".
This news follows the antiques valuation of a rare pink diamond that is expected to go for £24 million when it is put on the auction block at Sotheby's in Geneva next month.
Once owned by US jeweller to the stars Harry Winston, the gem is set into a ring.
Posted by Lisa Marriot