Fabergé Imperial presentation cigarette case, workmaster August Holmström, St. Petersburg, circa 1890

Gold, diamonds, enamel, silver

3 3/4 x 2 1/2 in. (9.6 x 6.4 cm) 

Inv. no. ab_0229

Nicholas II presented this case enameled in deep red and applied with a diamond-set Imperial crown to Prince Heinrich of Prussia (1862–1929) at unknown date. Their familial relationship was complicated. Heinrich’s wife Princess of Irene of Hesse (1866-1953) was sister to Empress Alexandra Feodorovna and Grand Duchess Elisabeth of Russia, so Heinrich and Nicholas were brothers-in-law. The two men were also second and third cousins because both were direct descendants of Paul I of Russia (1754-1801) and Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia (1770-1840).