W.A. Bolin Collection
A PART OF IMPORTANT SPRING SALE N º 657, JUNE 11–13, 2024
Introduction
Court Jewellers W.A.Bolin founded in 1791 has been a family business for altogether six generations. We are immensely proud of having been lauded as the foremost jeweller in St Petersburg, the capital of the Russian empire. In Moscow our new and experimental silver production attracted attention by a clientele fascinated by the avant garde movement in the arts and crafts. When opening our store and workshops in Stockholm in 1916 our professional skills were both recognized and welcomed. We soon had the confidence of the Swedish patronage and are happy to look back at another century during which we, together with our talented designers and craftsmen, have produced a great amount of fine jewellery and silver-ware.
Our family has for generations collected both jewellery and objects in silver made in our own workshops. We have seen it both important and a delight to showcase fine examples of our production in our retail store in order to inspire our customers.
We have also collected objects for our own private purposes. To lay our dinner table with our own silver and to decorate our homes with objects designed by our artists, has been important for us.
Now that our family has made the decision to part with a large section of our collection we are glad that Bukowskis, with whom we for long have collaborated with success, will arrange this very special sale.
Christian Bolin CourtJeweller and 6th generation of the family company W.A. Bolin
The Court Jewellers Bolin
The history of the jewellers Bolin can be traced back to the 1790s, the last decade of the long reign of Catherine the Great. They are the sole representatives of their craft able to boast having uninterruptedly served seven Russian sovereigns. Today, the present generation in Stockholm takes great pride in serving as Court Jewellers to the Swedish Royal Family.
German-born Andreas Römpler (?–1829) was the founder of the firm. He started out as a diamond merchant in St Petersburg, but soon became a jeweller to the Imperial Court. In 1812, Römpler engaged a young master goldsmith from his native Saxony, one Gottlieb Ernst Jahn (?–1836), to head the production side of his business. The young master not only became his employer’s close assistant, but also his son-in-law. Gottlieb Ernst’s marriage to Sofia Römpler gradually earned him a partnership in the family business. When his father-in-law died in 1829, Jahn became head of the company.
The next generation of the firm came from Sweden. Carl Edvard Bolin (1805–1864) a businessman from head to toe, made his way to St Petersburg in the hope of ‘striking gold’. He found employment with Römpler & Jahn, and shortly afterwards, found his future wife in the home of his employer. History was thus repeated: Carl Edvard Bolin married Ernestine Catharina, the younger daughter of Andreas Römpler. Through the marriage, he became the brother-in-law of his boss and a co-owner of the family business. During their first years together, the brothers-in-law had a clear division of labour. Gottlieb Jahn was a trained jeweller and he headed the production, whereas Carl Edvard Bolin saw to the business side of things.
Bolin, however, was amazingly talented and a quick study. In short order, he decided to learn the secrets of the jeweller’s craft, and within a few years he had become a master in his own right.
The business developed into one of the foremost enterprises of St Petersburg in the years to come, specialising in the creation and production of costly jewellery. Bolin became the jewellers of choice of the elite, as well as making personal pieces for the Imperial Family. Witness to this are two important tiaras made in the early 1830s for Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (born Princess Charlotte of Prussia, consort of Emperor Nicholas I). The tiaras became part of the crown jewels after her death, and they were worn at o cial occasions by subsequent Empresses.
Carl Edvard Bolin. Unknown artist, 1830s Alamy
Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (Princess Alix of Hesse and by Rhine at birth, consort of Emperor Nicholas II) wearing the tiara made by Bolin in the 1830s and described by A.E. Fersman as “one of the finest specimens of its kind”. Gold, silver, pearls, diamonds. Photograph by Karl Bulla, 1906. Private collection.
Tiara made by Bolin, St Petersburg, early 1830s. Gold, silver, diamonds and twenty-five large pearl drops suspended from delicate diamond mounts, thus allowing the pearls to swing freely within the arched openings. Reprinted from A.E.Fersman, Russia’s Treasure of Diamonds and Precious Stones, 1925, 3:29, plate XIII.
Gottlieb Jahn died in 1836, making Carl Edvard Bolin head of the business. Shortly after the death of his brother-in-law, Bolin sent for his younger brother Henrik Conrad (1818 -1888) from Sweden to join him in the business. The talented young man quickly learned the trade and matured into an efficient collaborator.
In 1839, Emperor Nicholas I installed Bolin as Crown Jeweller. This appointment brought the firm even more success than before. As jewellers to the Crown, Bolin also produced precious snuffboxes, insignia, and stars of the highest order, which were conferred upon high-ranking Russians as well as foreign heads of state.
In 1843, Bolin was commissioned to make yet another important tiara. Recent research by the two Russian scholars Galina Korneva and Tatiana Cheboksarova has revealed that this tiara was a gift to the young wife of Russia’s heir apparent, Grand Duke Alexander Nikolaevich, the future Emperor Alexander II. In September 1843, Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna gave birth to a son, Nicholas. The tiara was inherited in 1880 by Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich, (the third son of Alexander II) and it was often worn by his wife Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, giving rise to the piece’s famous nickname, the ‘Vladimir Tiara’. The new research was published in the journal Jewellery History Today, Issue 47, May 2023, under the title “Shedding New Light on the ‘Vladimir’ Tiara”.
Queen Elizabeth II wearing the tiara made by Bolin in 1843. It was originally a gift to Grand Duchess Maria Alexandrovna, wife of the future Emperor Alexander II. The tiara was presented to the young Grand Duchess at the christening of her first born son Nicholas in September 1843. The tiara is today known as the ‘Vladimir Tiara’
Photo: TT/Historia/REX
In 1852, Henrik Conrad Bolin decided to try and make a go of it on his own. He founded a jewellery firm in Moscow, together with an Englishman named James Stuart Shanks. See the essay ‘Bolin in Moscow’ in the present catalogue.
Carl Edvard Bolin died in 1864, leaving the business to his two sons Edvard (1842–1926) and Gustaf (1844–1916). The personal post of Crown Jeweller was renewed in favour of both brothers. The ultimate distinction, however, came in 1912, when both brothers were elevated to the hereditary nobility by letters patent of Nicholas II. They were the only goldsmiths in Russia to be so honoured, a clear indication of the importance of the jeweller’s enduring service to the Imperial Family and the Court.
Ulla Tillander-Godenhielm, Ph.D., with the Russian Imperial Award System as a speciality
Coat-of-Arms of Edvard and Gustaf Bolin, 1912 Left: The facade of the Bolin House at Bolshaya Morskaya 10 in St Petersburg. The house is still standing today Photograph of late XIX century, The Russian State Archive.Bolin in Moscow
At the 1851 World Exhibition at Crystal Palace, London, the Bolin jewellers became internationally well known. The exhibition also created interesting business contacts. As a result of this the younger of the Bolin brothers, Henrik Conrad (1818–1888) moved to Moscow where he founded a jewellery firm together with an Englishman named James Stuart Shanks. Their shop, Shanks & Bolin, was soon renamed Magasin Anglais by the Muscovites (this is not to be confused with the St Petersburg firm Nicholls & Plincke, which also bore this designation), and it developed into the go-to Moscow store for luxurious novelties and gift objects. Shanks handled the business side while Bolin designed and crafted jewellery as well as items in silver. The latter grouping soon became the most profitable line of the fast-growing company.
When, after some time, the partnership with Shanks ended, Henrik Conrad took over the business and specialized in exclusive silverware. The Bolin silver not only met success in Moscow, but also in St Petersburg. The two branches of the Bolin firm saw it important to continue working closely together, selling each other’s products.
Bolin’s production of silver was mainly crafted in the famous Linke workshop, founded in 1866 by Maria Linke and continued into the new century by her son Konstantin, an exceptionally skilled master silversmith. Both played an important role in the success of the Bolin company, their craftsmanship being of the highest order.
At the death in 1888 of Henrik Conrad the business in Moscow was taken over by his son Wilhelm James (Vasilii Andreevich) (1861-1934), who proved as brilliant a businessman as his father. He forged an even closer collaboration with his cousins in St Petersburg, and whilst they supplied him with jewellery, he supplied them with exquisite silver objects. Wilhelm had an international training in the craft and initially worked in the old tradition, with a particular interest in silver. Gradually he began employing young French sculptors as designers, for example Auguste Moreau and Joseph Chèret, with whom he created grandiose pieces in the style of the 1880s. He would later adopt the aesthetics of Art Nouveau and hired masters such as Paul Liénard, beginning to combine ceramic and porcelain, glass in the style of Lalique, or polished crystal with superb mounts and other parts in silver. At the 1900 Paris Exhibition his objects were applauded by every single art critic.
In 1917, the Bolin firms closed their doors, both in Moscow and St Petersburg. The members of the family left Russia, their homeland for many generations. They settled in Stockholm, where they re-opened their doors as W.A. Bolin, the name they still - as Swedish Crown Jewellers - bear to this day.
The taste of the Swedish clientele was different to that of the Russian and Bolin adjusted accordingly. In the mid 1920s the firm invested heavily in silverware and engaged several Swedish designers and artists, including the architect Sidney Gibson and the sculptor Ivar Johnson.
In 1935 W.A. Bolin received an important royal commission, a wedding gift from ‘the Swedish people’ to Princess Ingrid, daughter of future King Gustav VI Adolf of Sweden who married Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark. It was the largest silver service ever made in Sweden altogether 48 pieces including candelabras, candlesticks, vases, bowls, and a two metre long table plateau.
Many of the greatest designers in Sweden have worked for W.A.Bolin since the firm opened in Stockholm 1916, either for short periods or for decades. Among these were Mats Theselius and German born Julianne Pfeiffer. One of the most influential designers for the development of the company was Barbro Littmarck. She came to Bolin in the year 1941 and worked up until 1983 as chief designer of the House. Her beautiful sacral objects are her most admirable creations. One of these is the Swedish archbishop’s crook created in 1956. See the separate article on the artist.
The House of W.A. Bolin remains synonymous with silverwork of the highest quality, combining the finest craftsmanship with unique designs.
Original photograph showing the Cupid figurine by Auguste Moreau, see catalogue no 448Court Jeweller W.A. Bolin of Moscow Opens in Stockholm
When at the pinnacle of his success as manufacturer of important silver and vertu in Moscow, Wilhelm Bolin (Vasilii Andreevich) (1861-1924) was appointed Jeweller of the Crown by Emperor Nicholas II. This took place in the year 1912. The great honour motivated Wilhelm Bolin to change the name of his House, from then onwards, W.A. Bolin, both in Moscow and later in Stockholm.
In 1913 W.A. Bolin opened a branch in Germany at Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, situated in the vicinity of Frankfurt am Main. Bad Homburg was a luxurious resort for the cosmopolitan high society and was also frequented by members of the Russian aristocracy.
W.A. Bolin’s Bad Homburg branch had got off to a good start when at the end of July 1914 World War I broke out. Due to the legacy of the Bolin enterprises in Russia and Wilhelm’s close connections with his motherland, he managed to transfer his stock from Germany to Stockholm, thus rescuing an important part of the firm’s valuable merchandise. The eminent banker and philanthropist K.A. Wallenberg o ered Bolin his spacious vaults at Enskilda Banken in Stockholm.
Realizing that there was no return to Russia, Wilhelm Bolin opened a workshop in Stockholm in which both silver objects and jewellery was produced. Simultaneously, all through the war years and up until the Russian revolution, he managed to keep in close contact with his skilled craftsmen and collaborators in Moscow, where work continued in spite of the difficulties.
There are several albums in the Bolin archives showing photographs as well as worksheets from those years. These are witness to that opulent objects in silver were cast and chased in the Moscow workshops, likewise that cut crystal was prepared for shipment to Stockholm, where the objects were assembled. Examples of these are the magnificent wine decanters with swan lids.
A pair of flamboyant and unusually large silver and cut-glass decanters by Wihelm Bolin Moscow 1912-17, see catalogue no 457
In 1916 K.A. Wallenberg, at the time Sweden’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, encouraged Bolin to open a jewellery store in the very centre of Stockholm at the address Kungsträdgårdsgatan 10, premises belonging to his bank. Bolin’s workshop was also moved to the neighbourhood of the store. In connection with this, Wallenberg, with his excellent contacts to the Court, may even himself have put in a good word with His Majesty King Gustav V for Wilhelm Bolin’s appointment of Crown Jeweller to the Swedish Court. W.A. Bolin was appointed Jeweller of the Swedish Court in 1916 in connection with opening of the jewellery store.
W.A. Bolin Moskva Stockholm
The designation W.A. Bolin Moskva Stockholm was frequently used by Bolin to mark hollow ware in silver as well as fine jewellery made during the transition period between 1915/6 and the early years of the 1920s. During this period, as mentioned above, Bolin operated both in Stockholm and Moscow. The stock transferred to Stockholm both from the Bad Homburg branch and from Moscow, was in all probability imported on a temporary bond and thus unmarked. It was therefore hallmarked only upon arrival in Sweden. This explains why we see Bolin silverware with Swedish hallmarking in a distinct pre 1917 Russian style with superb casting and chasing.
Christian Bolin
A very fine silver wine-cooler, workmaster Konstantin Linke, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1893, see catalogue no 443
The Golden Era of Bolin’s Moscow branch 1900-1917
Bolin’s golden era coincides with the time of Konstantin Linke, the skilled master silversmith of the House, who headed the firm’s silver production up until the demise of the Russian Empire. Konstantin, born in 1858, took over from his mother Maria Linke, who had successfully headed Bolin’s silver production for decades. Whether she, in her turn, had succeeded her husband is not known.
The year Konstantin Linke succeeded his mother falls between 1891 and 1893. The last known object with Maria’s mark is a silver and cut glass decanter marked in 1891 and the first one with Konstantin’s mark is from 1893.
The silver production of Bolin up until the year 1900 consisted mainly of table silver, the speciality of the firm being cut glass with a variety of mounts in silver, all in a very high quality. The production of this type of merchandise continued up until the very end of 1917, most likely because it was the commercial base for the company.
A jewelled and enamelled silver snuffbox, assay master Ivan Lebedkin, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1899–1908, see catalogue no 477
The production took an interesting turn at the very beginning of the new century. The House of Bolin had been known for its balanced classical style, never adventurous, but always top quality whether silver or cut glass. But unexpectedly Bolin introduced a new style, which was close to being experimental. The style, Bolin’s version of Art Nouveau, appeared in a collection of bonbonnières, pillboxes, card-cases and table frames and was different from anything seen so far. These new objects were not only unusual in shape but also innovative in the choice of material. Diamonds in unexpected cuts and qualities were playfully mixed in with multicolour opaque enamel – merely for an artistic effect. This was a true contrast to the traditional style of Bolin in St Petersburg where diamonds were of the best possible quality.
The boxes and table frames made during this interesting style period are rare on the international market since they have become sought after collectors’ items.
A rare silver enamel casket Moscow, W. A . Bolin, Moscow 1912–1917, see catalogue no 463
A rare silver and opaque green enamel pill box, Moscow 1912-1917, see catalogue no 476
Enamelling became a true speciality at Bolin in Moscow. The House produced objects in practically all the enamelling techniques. Those in the cloisonné technique were mainly commissioned from the workshop of Fedor Rückert. The rarest of Bolin’s enamelling was that of matt opaque enamel, which had an exquisite velvet-like smoothness. The best example of this enamelling technique is found in a large silver frame enamelled in two colours. The object is today in Fredensborg castle in Denmark. The firing temperature of enamels is normally between 700-900 degrees Celsius, for matt opaque enamel, however, lower. This remarkable technique was unfortunately lost in the turmoil of the Russian revolution.
W.A. Bolin in Moscow also produced large table clocks both in silver and gold often with the addition of various hardstones such as onyx, marble or lapis lazuli. The production of these prestigious table clocks became an important article for Bolin. But sadly only seven examples of these clocks have been preserved to this day.
A monumental green onyx marble and silver mantel clock, W. A . Bolin, Moscow 1912–1917, see catalogue no 462
441. A stylish silver and cut-glass decanter, workmaster Maria Linke, Shanks & Bolin, Moscow 1886.
Cut glass in bulbous form with cut star pattern, the silver mount with strict cylindrical handle and a hinged lid with a thumbpush opener, monogram WA. Height 25 cm, width 14 cm, length 16 cm.
Catalogue note: Shanks & Bolin, Magasin Anglais was established in Moscow in 1852 and consisted of James Stuart Shanks and Henrik Conrad Bolin. The partnership continued until the death of Henrik Conrad in 1888.
Many of Bolin’s exclusive silver objects made in Moscow bear, in addition to the company mark, the initials ML. ML stands for Marie Linke who was one of the main workmasters that Bolin cooperated with. According to Tatjana Muntjans research in “W.A. Bolin, Bolin in Russia, 2001, Maria Linke was registered as the owner of a workshop in 1866-1894. She was married to the Prussian Edward Linke and had a son Konstantin who followed in his mother’s footsteps and later also became a workmaster at Bolin with the makers mark “KL”.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 40 000 / EUR 2 580 – 3 440
442. A silver-mounted cameo glass jar, by Bolin, workmaster Maria Linke, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1891. The turquoise-coloured glass cut with a flowering bough, mounted with a silver, hinged lid with a rocaille border and engraved with initials NB, art nouveau style, gilt interior, 84 standard. Height 10.3 cm, diameter 6.2 cm.
Many of Bolin’s exclusive silver objects made in Moscow bear, in addition to the company mark, the initials ML. ML stands for Marie Linke who was one of the main workmasters that Bolin cooperated with. According to Tatjana Muntjans research in “W.A. Bolin, Bolin in Russia, 2001, Maria Linke was registered as the owner of a workshop in 1866-1894. She was married to the Prussian Edward Linke and had a son Konstantin who followed in his mother’s footsteps and later also became a workmaster at Bolin with the makers mark “KL”.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
443. A very fine silver Wine cooler, workmaster Konstantin Linke, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1893.
Urn-shaped, on a round base. Paired handles with decor of ram's heads, grapevines and foliage. Removable insert in white metal with detachable central cylinder 84 standard. Height 26.5 cm, length (including handles) 32 cm. Total weight ca 6200 g, of which 4600 g is silver.
Catalogue note: The magnificent wine cooler manufactured in 1893 is a fine example of the exquisite silverwork that became a hallmark of Bolins in Moscow. The workmasters maintained the highest craftsmanship and the fashionable design made the company famous and successful and found an international audience.
Konstantin Linke was the son of Edward and Maria Linke and was probably born in 1865 or 1866. According to Tatjana Muntjans research in “W.A. Bolin, Bolin in Russia, 2001”, Konstantin was a merchant of the first class in 1898 in Moscow and around the turn of the century had a silverware shop of his own and cooperated with C.E. Bolin Co. In the 1890s we find several of the firms finest silver objects also with a KL mark. Konstantin Linke replaced his mother Maria Linke as workmaster at Bolins ca 1893.
Estimate: SEK 250 000 – 300 000 / EUR 21 480 – 25 780
444. A silver niello beaker depicting St Basil and Spasskaya Tower, workmaster Konstantin Linke, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1895.
A cylinder model standing on a base. Chiseled decoration and motif in niello of the famous Saint Basil's Cathedral at the Red Square and the nearby Kremlin gate “Spasskaya Tower". Height 9.8 cm. Diameter at the top 5 cm. Weight 170 g.
Catalogue note: Silver by Bolin, marked with C E Bolin, is uncommon. The famous motifs make the piece particularly interesting.
Konstantin Linke was the son of Edward and Maria Linke and was probably born in 1865 or 1866. According to Tatjana Muntjans research in “W.A. Bolin, Bolin in Russia, 2001”, Konstantin was a merchant of the first class in 1898 in Moscow and around the turn of the century had a silverware shop of his own and cooperated with C.E. Bolin Co. In the 1890s we find several of the firm’s finest silver objects also with a KL mark. Konstantin Linke replaced his mother Maria Linke as workmaster at Bolin ca 1893.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 030 – 1 290
445. A parcel-gilt Art Nouveau silver charka/bonbonniere, workmaster Kontantin Linke, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1898–1908. Gilt interior. Round model, standing on three legs, openwork handle. Assay master Ivan Lebedkin. Height 11.3 cm, diameter 13.7 cm. Weight 253 g.
Konstantin Linke was the son of Edward and Maria Linke and was probably born in 1865 or 1866. According to Tatjana Muntjans research in “W.A. Bolin, Bolin in Russia, 2001”, Konstantin was a merchant of the first class in 1898 in Moscow and around the turn of the century had a silverware shop of his own and cooperated with C.E. Bolin Co. In the 1890s we find several of the firm’s finest silver objects also with a KL mark. Konstantin Linke replaced his mother Maria Linke as workmaster at Bolin ca 1893.
Exhibitions: The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow , 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 164, p. 190.
Literature: Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 190, catalogue no 164.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 18 000 / EUR 1 290 – 1 550
446. A pair of important Bolin 18K Gold and Gilt Silver Imperial presentation Malachite dishes, C.E. Bolin, St Petersburg, ca 1890.
The dishes of rounded form mounted malachite on a gilt silver ground with an applied imperial eagle in gold. Diameter 29 cm. Gilded silver edging on the base, 84 standard and makers mark of Bolin. The malachite most likely is delivered by the Imperial lapidary works. Diameter 29 cm. Gilded silver edging on the base, mark of Bolin and standard 84.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 17. The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow , 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 112, p. 170.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 53.
Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 170, catalogue no 112.
Catalogue note: The magnificent pair of malachite dishes originally belonged to a set of twelve.
Estimate: SEK 120 000 – 130 000 / EUR 10 310 – 11 170
447. A silver casket, design Auguste Moreau, W.A. Bolin, Moscow 1912-1917.
Rectangular model. Maritime decoration with crabs, shells and fish in a wavy sea. Feet and lid knob of small figurines in the form of mermaids. Wooden interior. Later hallmarked Stockholm 1920. Height 14.5 cm, width 19 cm, length 29 cm. Weight 1995 g.
Catalogue note: When Henrik Conrad Bolin died, the company was passed on to his son Wilhelm, who was internationally educated in Paris, London and Amsterdam. His business expanded rapidly and he brought French artists such as Auguste Moreau into the workshop in Moscow and opened offices in Paris, London and Berlin. After 1917 offices were also opened in Oslo and Copenhagen.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 50 000 / EUR 3 440 – 4 300
448. A pair of silver figurines, design by Auguste Moreau. W.A. Bolin, Moscow 1912-1917. Two silver putti, one a Cupid with wings, bow and arrow, the other pressing grapes. Both signed Aug. Moreau. Later hallmarked Stockholm 1917. Scratched inventory numbers 10252 and 10253. Height 10.5 and 10.7 cm. Total weight 1090 g.
Catalogue note: When Henrik Conrad Bolin died, the company was passed on to his son Wilhelm, who was internationally educated in Paris, London and Amsterdam. His business expanded rapidly and he brought French artists such as Auguste Moreau into the workshop in Moscow and opened offices in Paris, London and Berlin. After 1917 offices were also opened in Oslo and Copenhagen.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 50 000 / EUR 3 440 – 4 300
449. An exquisite jewelled and enamelled silver frame, assay master Ivan Lebedkin, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1896-1908. Rectangular, the surface chased and repoussé with a nymph in front of a pond with water lilies set with pearls. On the sides bulrush and meandering foilage applied on a ground of polychrome - red, orange, yellow enamel. Side decor set with pearls and rose-cut diamonds. Art Nouveau style. Wooden back. Marked on the lower edge and back plate, standard 88. Measurements 18.8 x 10.1 cm. Total weight 405g.
Catalogue note: This stunning Art Nouveau frame is an exquisite example of the exclusive silverware produced by Bolins around the turn of the last century. In addition to the beautiful silverwork of the highest class, the decoration consists of pearls, rose-cut diamonds and enamel in three colors.
Estimate: SEK 250 000 – 300 000 / EUR 21 480 – 25 780
450. A silver tea caddy with lid, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1908–1917. Round, baluster-shaped with gadrooned body and lid.
Height 14.5 cm. Weight 245 g.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 18 000 / EUR 1 290 – 1 550
451. A silver asparagus cradle by Bolin, Moscow 1912-17
The silver handles cast with eagles surrounded by flower sprigs, leaf scroll feet. Empire style. Later hallmarked Stockholm 1917. Width 17 cm. Length 34.2 cm. Weight 532 g.
Catalogue note: The decorative elements were produced (cast and chased) at the silver workshop in Moscow. Some elements possibly assembled in Stockholm. See the manufacturing card. The model was produced in an edition of 8 pieces. Compare silver asparagus cradle marked Konstantin Linke, Moscow 1895, sold at Sotheby´s London Russian sale 3. June 2014 Lot 667.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
452. A silver asparagus cradle by Bolin, Moscow 1912-17. The silver handles in neoclassical style decorated with leafs and stylized flowers, leaf scroll feet. Later hallmarked W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1920. Width 16.3 cm. Length 32 cm. Weight 521 g.
Catalogue note: The decorative elements were produced (cast and chased) at the silver workshop in Moscow. The cradle was most likely later assembled in Stockholm. Compare silver asparagus cradle marked Konstantin Linke, Moscow 1895, sold at Sotheby´s London, Russian sale 3. June 2014 Lot 667.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
453. A pair of cut-glass and silver jardinières/bowls, W.A. Bolin, Moscow 1912-1917.
The cut glass gadrooned bowl stands on a detachable base of cast and chased silver of rocailles, flowers and foliage. Later hallmarked W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1918. Original box included. Diameter at the top 22.5 cm. Height (with stand) 10.5 cm.
Total silver weight 1100 g.
Estimate: SEK 50 000 – 60 000 / EUR 4 300 – 5 160
454. A silver and Carelian birch frame with glass, photograph depicting king Gustav V of Sweden, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1918.
Rectangular wood panel with silver decoration, at the top crown over the kings mirror monogram. The wooden back with a matchning strut that folds in. Original fitted case and drawing included. Original case and drawing included. Measurements 30 x 21 cm.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 32.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow , 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 132, p. 179.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 110. Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 179, catalogue no 132.
Catalogue note: These were produced in an edition of twelve for the most prominent Swedish embassies.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 40 000 / EUR 2 580 – 3 440
455. A large Bolin silver openwork on walnut frame, W.A. Bolin, Moscow 1912-1917. Of rectangular form, the cast bezel with leaf tips, the mount with cast and chased twisted leaves, which raps around Marguerite flowers on center top set with an empire style urn with a sprig of leaves, in an original fitted case by W.A. Bolin Stockholm. Lated hallmarked Stockholm 1917. Measurements 36 x 28 cm.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 33.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 133, p. 179.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 110. Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 179, catalogue no 133.
Estimate: SEK 50 000 – 60 000 / EUR 4 300 – 5 160
456. A large Bolin silvermounted natural and stained birch frame, Moscow 1912-1917, by Court Jeweller Wilhem Bolin.
Of rectangular form, the aperture framed by a beaded border, in each corner an ornament of rosettes, the stained birch surrounded by a cast and chased border of oak leaves, a cast bezel of leaf tipsframes the lighter birch, in an original fitted case by W.A. Bolin Stockholm. Later hallmarked W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1919. Measurements 41.2 x 34.2 cm.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 34.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow , 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 134, p. 179.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 110.
Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 179, catalogue no 134.
Estimate: SEK 60 000 – 70 000 / EUR 5 160 – 6 020
457. A pair of flamboyant and unusual large silver and cut-glass decanters by Wilhelm Bolin Moscow 1912-17.
Of baluster form, the bodies cut with a diamond and sunray pattern. The collar and neck mounted with cast and chased accanthus leaves, the handles engraved with twisted leaves, the hinged cover decorated with a naturlistic swan in a humble position, rounded base with scrolls and accanthus leaves. Later hallmarked W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1917 and 1921. Height 38.5 cm.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 39.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 137.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at pp. 114-115.
Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated at p. 180, catalogue no 137 and sketch illustrated at p. 166, catalogue nr 102.
Catalogue note: The original drawing for the monumental wine decanters is depicted in the book “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years” and the Kreml exhibition catalogue. Sketch referred to be from around 1900.
Estimate: SEK 300 000 – 350 000 / EUR 25 780 – 30 070
Original drawing from around 1900.
Compare handles at the original drawing.
458. A silver and cut-glass bowl, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1918. Possibly made in Moscow.
The hexagonal shaped cut-glass bowl is mounted in an Empire style silver mount, the handles depicting eagles with spread wings. Personal dedication inscribed underneath the handles. Possibly made in Moscow and later hallmarked in Stockholm 1918. Diameter 19.5 cm, height 5 cm.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
459. A silver and cut-glass jardinière/fruit bowl by Bolin W.A. Bolin 1912–1917. Round cut-glass bowl on a detachable silver base with openwork decoration of grapevines and wheat. Later hallmarked W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1919.Height 12 cm.
Diameter at the top 21.2 cm. Weight (silver) 417 g.
Catalogue note: Manufactured at the Bolin silver workshops in Moscow for the establishment Kungsträdgårdsgatan in Stockholm. Hallmark Stockholm 1919.. Height 12 cm. Diameter at the top 21.2 cm. Weight (silver) 417 g.
Estimate: SEK 10 000 – 15 000 / EUR 860 – 1 290
460. An unusually large cut glass dish with silver mounted rim, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1919. The circular glass dish cut with foliage, fruits and floral motives, the silver rim in the form of garland with ribbons. Original box included. Height 4.5 cm. Diameter 37.5 cm.
Estimate: SEK 18 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 550 – 1 720
461. An impressive silver and hardstone bowl/dish, by Bolin Moscow 1912-1917. Of red granite the rim mount applied with silver foliage, flowering branch and fruit decorations. Later hallmarked W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1919. Diameter 43.5 cm. Weight ca 13 kg.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 40.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 138, p. 181.
Literature: Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 181, catalogue no 138.
Estimate: SEK 50 000 – 60 000 / EUR 4 300 – 5 160
462. A monumental green onyx marble and silver mantel clock, W.A. Bolin, Moscow 1912–1917.
The turned baluster-shaped body toned predominantly green, the neck affixed with a broad gadronned and entrelac-adorned silver band, the shoulder with budding and berried foliate scrolls, encircling the silvered Arabic dial with ormolu hands, rising to the neck and terminating in handles modelled as classical nymphs, symbolizing night and day, the base with a broad pierced acanthus border above an ebonized octagonal socle adorned with a silver band of berried laurel. Later hallmarked W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1919. Height 53,5 cm. Weight circa 27 kg.
Estimate: SEK 70 000 – 80 000 / EUR 6 020 – 6 880
463. A rare silver enamel casket Moscow, W.A. Bolin, Moscow 1912–1917.
The casket of rectangular formed body with a hinged lid in silver with silver applications covered in ivory white matted opaque enamel. A silver box decorated with matte white enamel. The lid decorated with silver foilage. Later marked W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1920.
Height 6.7 cm. Width 13.3 cm. Length 20 cm.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 35.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 135.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 116.
Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 180, catalogue no 135.
Catalogue note: This unique ivory white opaque enamel was a Bolin speciality. Height 6.7 cm. Width 13.3 cm. Length 20 cm.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 125 000 / EUR 8 600 – 10 740
464. A Wilhelm Bolin silver and guilloché enamel frame. Moscow 1912-1917.
The frame of rectangular form, aperture and borders in struck and rolled silver, chased silver foliage and floral ornaments, translucent pale blue enamel on a guilloché ground. Later marked W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1919. Measurements 16,5 x 13 cm. Total weight 514 g.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 36. The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 136, p. 178.
Literature: Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 178, catalogue no 136.
Catalogue note: With original photograph depicting the children of W.A. Bolin - Maya, Erik and Henrik. Photo circa 1900.
Estimate: SEK 80 000 – 100 000 / EUR 6 880 – 8 600
465. An ornate silver and glass dish, mark of W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1920.
The circular glass dish mounted with decorative openwork ornamentation of foliage and stylized flowers. Engraved gift inscription on the edge. Original box included. Diameter 30.7 cm.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
466. A silverware set, model “C”, 181 pieces, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1918–1938 and a wood chest included.
Model ”C” or the Bolin Rococo model is one of the more unusual models since it was only manufactured in a limited number of sets.
The 181 pieces consists of:
24 dinner forks
12 soup spoons
12 fish knifes
15 sandwich forks
16 dessert spoons
12 coffee spoons
1 sugar tongs
4 butter knifes
4 serving forks, small (2+1+1)
1 sauce spoon
2 cane spoons/salad spoons
12 dinner knifes
12 fish forks
12 lobster forks
12 sandwich knifes
12 fruit knifes
12 mocca spoons
1 pate knife
2 butter knife-stands
1 soup ladle
1 serving spoon
table-bell push
Dimensions of box: height ca 33 cm, length ca 54 cm, width ca 40 cm. Total weight silver ca 8900 g.
Note: Bolin cutlery has struck patterns on both sides of the pieces.
Estimate: SEK 60 000 – 70 000 / EUR 5 160 – 6 020
467. A large sterling silver fish serving platter, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1939. Struck and chased decoration of different fish, a.o. a sturgeon and a salmon, and shellfish. 75,5 x 36,5 cm, weight ca 2660 g.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue nr 70. Moscow, Kremlins Museums, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue nr 20.
Literature: Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, depicted p 122, catalogue nr 20.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
468. A three piece Rococo style silver coffee-set, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1946.
Comprising of a coffee pot, cream jug, and sugar bowl. Gilt interiors. Pear-shaped, on an oval base, richly decorated with floral ornamentation and rocailles, the lids crowned with a bouquet. The coffee pot has a wooden handle. Height of the pot 27.5 cm. Total weight 2247 g.
Catalogue note: In 1946 the best Swedish silver smith masters of the time were challenged to show whether their skills could be compared to the old masters. The coffee pot reproduced in this lot by Bolin is a copy of Mikael Åström’s famous masterpiece from 1764, sold at Bukowskis Spring Sale 2000, A516, lot 902. The drawing of the original is preserved at the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 50 000 / EUR 3 440 – 4 300
469. A pair of two branches silver candelabras, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1948. Conical model on a round base, decoration in the form of leafs. Height 30 cm. Total weight 1809 g.
Exhibitions: The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow , 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 156, p. 188.
Literature: Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 188, catalogue no 156.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
470. A silverware set, 160 pieces, model “I” in a specially fitted mahogany chest, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1948–67.
Cutlery set in silver 830, comprising of:
12 dinner knives (25.5 cm)
12 dinner spoons (21 cm)
12 dessert/table forks (18.3 cm)
12 fruit knives (18 cm)
12 fish knives (21 cm)
12 coffee spoons (11.5 cm)
6 lobster forks (19.5 cm)
12 dinner forks (20.3 cm)
12 dessert/table knives (21.5 cm)
12 dessert spoons (18.5 cm)
12 fruit forks (14.5 cm)
12 fish forks (17.5 cm)
12 mocca spoons (9.5 cm)
6 butter/breakfast knives (15 cm)
2 serving spoons with round scoop (20.5 cm)1 compote spoon (19 cm)
1 cake spatula (24.5 cm)
Dimensions of chest: height ca 33 cm, length ca 54 cm, width ca 40 cm.
Total weight silver ca 7930 g. Bolin cutlery has struck patterns on both sides of the pieces.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 50 000 / EUR 3 440 – 4 300
471. A smoky quartz flacon with a 14K gold lid mounted with rubies and rose-cut diamonds, C.E. Bolin, Moscow, 1890s.
Cut from a single piece of quartz. Length 7.8 cm. Original case included.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 26.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 122, p. 174.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 63.
Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIXearly XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 174, catalogue no 122.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 50 000 / EUR 3 440 – 4 300
472. A jewelled gun metal and gilt silver case, C.E. Bolin, St Petersburg 1892.
Rectangular with rounded corners. Decorated in top right corner with a stylized flower with a cabochon sapphire and small rose cut diamonds set in gold. The case has an interior engraved inscription on a gilt silver plate reading “Rosebery from The Prince of Wales. Christmas. 1892.”. Rosebery or Archibald Philip Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery, was a liberal Party politician and Foreign Secretary at the time. Original case included, marked “C.E.Bolin, Joaillier de la Cour, St Petersburg, 1892”. Scratched number 34869. Height 0.8 cm, width 5.5 cm (with sapphire), length 8.5 cm. Weight 94 g.
Provenance: Rosebery from The Prince of Wales. Christmas. 1892.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 21.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 116, p. 172.
Literature: Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, depicted p. 172, catalogue no 116.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 125 000 / EUR 8 600 – 10 740
473. A jewelled gun metal case C E Bolin St Petersburg ca 1890.
Of rectangular shape with rounded corners, the surface with an engraved diamond lozenge pattern set with rose-cut diamonds, gilt silver interior, thumbpiece of a cabochon saphire, scratched inventory number 6928, in an original fitted leather case marked C.E. Bolin with the Imperial eagle. Height 1 cm, width 4.8 cm, length 8.4 cm. Weight 96 g.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 20.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 115, p. 172.
Literature: Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, depicted p 172, catalogue nr 115.
Catalogue note: Identical gun metal case attributed to Carl Fabergè in “ Carl Fabergè and the Master Russian Goldsmiths” by Gerhard Hill N.Y 2010. Similar gun metal case marked Vassilij Finikov (Head workmaster for Bolin S:t Petersburg), Sotheby’s London Russian works of art 2. December 2020 Lot 63.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 125 000 / EUR 8 600 – 10 740
474. A jewelled silver case by Bolin Moscow 1893-1899. Interiorly gilt. Rectangular shape. Decoration in the form of stylized oak leaves and acorns in gold, pearls and rose-cut diamonds. Makers mark K.L. for Konstantin Linke. Dimensions: 1.2 x 8.3 x 9 cm (including pearls). Weight 179 g. Konstantin Linke was the son of Edward and Maria Linke and was probably born in 1865 or 1866. According to Tatjana Muntjans research in “W.A. Bolin, Bolin in Russia, 2001”, Konstantin was a merchant in 1898 in Moscow and around the turn of the century had a silverware shop of his own and cooperated with C.E. Bolin Co. In the 1890s we find several of the firms finest silver objects also with a KL mark. Konstantin Linke replaced his mother Maria Linke as workmaster at Bolins ca 1893.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 50 000 / EUR 3 440 – 4 300
475. A silver and enamel paper knife, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1919. Round shaft with laurel wreath decoration in white & red champlevé enamel. Length 23.5 cm. Weight 39 g.
Exhibitions: The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 119, p. 173.
Literature: Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 173, catalogue no 119.
Estimate: SEK 5 500 – 6 000 / EUR 480 – 520
476. A rare silver and opaque green enamel pill box, Moscow 1912-1917. The box of square form with tapered corners, the silver lid and body covered with matted moss green opaque matted enamel. On the lid applied silver ornaments with a water-spraying mascaron. Later hallmarked W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1917. Dimensions 5.3 x 5.3 cm.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
477. A jewelled and enamelled silver snuffbox , assay master Ivan Lebedkin, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1899–1908.
An Art Nouveau arrow shaped box, the hinged cover applied with silver fanned branches with diamond-set stems and translucent green enamelled foliage on opaque sky blue en plein enamelled ground, marked inside cover and base. Dimensions 8.7 x 5.6 x 1.9 cm. Weight 94 g.
Catalogue note: For a similar example of Bolin's use of diamond-set naturalistic leaf forms and en plein enamelling on a powder-box, marked Bolin, Moscow, 1899-1908 and held in the collection of the Russian National Museum, Moscow, see C. Bolin and P. Bulatov, Bolin in Russia. Court Jeweller, Moscow, 2001, p. 233, No. 227.
Estimate: SEK 120 000 – 130 000 / EUR 10 310 – 11 170
478. An antique German gold repoussé snuffbox with interior gouache miniature, retailed by Jahn & Bolin, St Petersburg ca 1840.
Rectangular with waisted sides, the hinged lid designed with a chased mythological scene, the base decorated with scrolls and borders, to the interior a painted miniature under glass with a rococo couple and Cupid in a landscape. Apparently made in north Germany ca 1760.
Retailed by Jahn & Bolin S.t Petersburg in an original fitted case marked Jahn & Bolin Joaillier de la Cour A St Petersbourg. Ca 1840. Height 2.7 cm. Width 4.7 cm. Length 5.9 cm. Weight (without glass) 64.1 g.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 22.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 117, p. 173.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 21.
Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 173, catalogue no 117.
Catalogue note: The small miniature in gouache on the inside of the lid brings to mind the artist François Boucher's shepherd and shepherdess couple from the Rococo period. The pastoral scene with the couple in love fits nicely with the gold box's exterior decor and message of love.
Estimate: SEK 50 000 – 60 000 / EUR 4 300 – 5 160
479. A rare and important jewelled 18K gold and enamel box by Bolin Moscow 1912–1917. The box of navette/oval shape is enamelled in ivory white matted opaque enamel, supplemented with zig-zag pattern in polished gold, base and hinged lid set with applications of stylized flowers and leafs in gold and rose-cut diamonds. W.A. Bolin, made in Moscow, hallmark Stockholm 1917. Fitted case included. Height 2.2 cm. Width 3 cm. Length 6.5 cm. Weight 57 g.
Estimate: SEK 50 000 – 60 000 / EUR 4 300 – 5 160
480. A jewelled W.A. Bolin 18K gold and enamel card case, W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1919. The case of rectangular shape wreaths in green, white and red taille dèpargne enamel on gold base set with an emerald thumbpiece. Dimensions: 7.5 x 6 x 0.5 cm. Weight 98 g.
Estimate: SEK 60 000 – 70 000 / EUR 5 160 – 6 020
Compare drawing similar to the enamel on the box.
481. An 18K gold box with black enamel and rose-cut diamonds. W.A. Bolin, made in Moscow, hallmark Stockholm 1919.
Oval. The lid is decorated with an oval of black opaque enamel featuring a silhouette of a lady looking into a mirror held by a cupid. The scene is surrounded by rose-cut diamonds. Inside the lid is a mirror. Original case included. Height 1.3 cm. Width 4 cm. Length 5.2 cm. Weight: 35.4 g.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 24.
The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 120 p. 174.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 63. Ed. Christian Bolin, Pavel Bulatow, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, New Hermitage-one Moskva 2001, illustrated p. 174, catalogue no 120.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 50 000 / EUR 3 440 – 4 300
Original drawing.
482. A Bolin 18K gold and enamel box made for the French market. W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1920.
The box of half cylindrical oval form with hinged lid, wreaths in white and black taille dèpargne enamel, thumbpiece in gold. Possibly made in Moscow and later hallmarked in Stockholm. Scratched no E61.
Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 1.1 cm. Weight 100 g.
Catalogue note: The box has the small unusual company mark of WAB in an oval with a rooster. Items with this mark were primarily intended for the French market.
Estimate: SEK 60 000 – 70 000 / EUR 5 160 – 6 020
483. A Wilhelm Bolin 18K gold and enamel box, W.A. Bolin 1920.
Rectangular, side-oval model with hinged lid. Decor in white and black champlevé enamel. Gift inscription: “Ebon Strandin, Kungl. Teatern”. (Royal Theatre). Special mark by Bolin for the French market.
Scratched number: R2023. Dimensions: 8 x 3.5 x 1.9 cm. Weight 90 g.
Provenance: Prima Ballerina Ebon Strandin (1894–1977).
Catalogue note: Ebon Strandin (1894-1977) was a dancer at the Royal Theatre in Stockholm since 1901 and was appointed as a La Prima Ballerina in 1915. In addition to dancing, she also sang and was an actress in several Swedish silent films. The box has the small unusual company mark of WAB in an oval with a rooster. Items with this mark were primarily intended for the French market.
Estimate: SEK 60 000 – 70 000 / EUR 5 160 – 6 020
Prima Ballerina Ebon Strandin
484. A pair of jewelled malachite cufflinks, C.E. Bolin, St Petersburg, workmaster Vladimir Finikov active 1880–1908.
14K gold, pearls, and old-cut and rose-cut diamonds, malachite diameter ca 12 mm, total weight 10 g. Struck with workmaster's initials ВФ (VF).
Catalogue note: Vladimir Finikov was active between 1880–1908 and worked for Bolin as workmaster and chief jeweler in their workshop in St Petersburg.
Estimate: SEK 25 000 – 30 000 / EUR 2 150 – 2 580
485. A 14K gold horseshoe brooch, Shanks & Bolin, Moscow 1860–1875. Dimensions 28 x 32 mm, weight 7 g. Original case included.
Catalogue note: Following Bolin's great successes at the World Exhibition in London in 1851, Henrik Conrad Bolin moved to Moscow and there opened the company's first Moscow branch together with the Englishman James Shanks, hence the name Shanks & Bolin, Magasin Anglais. Note that there is a sticker with the company's name remaining in the accompanying case.
Estimate: SEK 16 000 – 20 000 / EUR 1 380 – 1 720
486. An important brooch in gold with a blister pearl and diamonds, C.E. Bolin, St Petersburg 1860-1875, workmaster Robert Schwan.
A centered pearl elegantly encircled by old-cut and rose-cut diamonds, total weight ca 2.00 cts, dimensions 35 x 20 mm, total weight 13 g. Struck with workmaster's initials RS, 56 standard.
Exhibitions: W.A. Bolin 200 years, “Smycken & Silver för tsarer, drottningar och andra”, Stockholm 1996, catalogue no 202. Moscow, Kremlins Museums, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 85, p. 159.
Catalogue note: In the mid-1840s, one of Bolin's and the world's most famous tiaras was crafted under the supervision of workmaster Robert Schwan, the so-called Vladimir Tiara. The tiara is now in the possession of the British royal family and was the favourite tiara of Queen Elisbeth II. It was commissioned in 1843 as a gift for the future Empress Maria Alexandrovna who later bequeathed it to her son Grand Duke Vladimir whose wife Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna often wore the magnificent tiara.
Examine the beautiful openwork at the backside of the brooch. The brooch is nearly as beautiful from the back as from the front .
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 125 000 / EUR 8 600 – 10 740
487. A brooch in the shape of a swan in silver and gold with a blister pearl and rose-cut diamonds.
Dimensions 24 x 25 mm, total weight 18 g. Apparently unmarked.
Provenance: According to family tradition, made by W.A. Bolin Moscow.
Estimate: SEK 100 000 – 125 000 / EUR 8 600 – 10 740
488. An important brooch with pearls and diamonds, C.E. Bolin, St Petersburg 1899–1908, owner of the workshop Sofia Schwan.
In the shape of an elegant flowering branch. Dimensions ca 10 x 7 cm, weight 42 g. Struck with initials SS for Sofia Schwan, 56 standard. Original case included. The brooch pin can be detached.
Provenance: A general of a remaining part of the imperial white army ended up at the end of the Russian revolution in the Murmansk area and managed to escape via Norway. The general had this brooch still in his possession. The Bolin family recently approached by a descendent of the General and acquired the brooch.
Catalogue note: Sofia Schwan was one of many women active in the Russian jewellery industry. She inherited the workshop from her husband Robert Schwan, who was a workmaster for Bolin until his death in 1895. The ownership gave her the right to use her own mark SS. Under Sofia Schwan’s leadership, Bolin produced some of the finest jewellery in the collection of the Imperial family.
Estimate: SEK 300 000 – 350 000 / EUR 25 780 – 30 070
489. A pair of 14K gold cufflinks, C.E. Bolin, Moscow 1899-1908, workmaster Ivan Flinck.
Dimensions 13 x 17.75 mm, total weight 12.5 g. Struck with workmaster's initials IF, 56 standard.
Exhibitions: The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001, “W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries”, katalognummer 129, s. 177.
Estimate: SEK 15 000 – 18 000 / EUR 1 290 – 1 550
490. A pair of gold cufflinks, W.A. Bolin, most likely made in Moscow 1912-1917.
Diameter 15.5 mm, total weight 10.4 g. Swedish mark indicating 1920 as year of production and marked with the special mark for the French market.
Exhibitions: The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow , 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 152, p. 187.
Estimate: SEK 12 000 – 15 000 / EUR 1 030 – 1 290
491. A gold brooch with turquoise and old-cut diamonds, C.E. Bolin, St Petersburg 1860-1875, workmaster Robert Schwan.
Total weight of the diamonds ca 0.80 ct, dimensions 45 x 15 mm, total weight 6 g. Struck with workmaster's initials RS, 56 standard.
Exhibitions: The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 100, p. 165.
Catalogue note: In the mid-1840s, one of Bolin's and the world's most famous tiaras was possibly crafted under the supervision of workmaster Robert Schwan, the socalled Vladimir Tiara. The tiara is now in the possession of the British royal family and was the favourite tiara of Queen Elisbeth II. It was commissioned in 1843 as a gift for the future Empress Maria Alexandrovna who later bequeathed it to her son Grand Duke Vladimir whose wife Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna often wore the magnificent tiara.
Estimate: SEK 200 000 – 225 000 / EUR 17 190 – 19 330
Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna
492. An impressive platinum, step-cut emerald and old-cut diamond brooch by W.A. Bolin most likely Moscow 1912 -1917. No hallmarks.
One pear-shaped old-cut diamond and three cushion-shaped old-cut diamonds with a total weight of ca 6.50 cts, diamond colour ca E/F, H, and F/G, dimensions 49 x 45 mm, total weight 12 g. Original case included.
Exhibitions: The Armoury Museum, the Kremlin, Moscow, 2001 ‘W.A. BOLIN Bolin in Russia Court jeweller late XIX-early XX centuries’, catalogue no 56, p. 137.
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996, illustrated and mentioned at p. 147.
Catalogue note: In 1913, the firm Bolin, which had by then changed its name to W.A. Bolin, opened a store in Bad Homburg, a town in southern Germany where the Imperial family and the Russian court spent parts of their summers. With the outbreak of World War I, some of the jewels that were in the German inventory but manufactured in Russia were transferred to Sweden for storage. In 1916, W.A. Bolin opened a store in Stockholm, and a large portion of the jewellery on offer was made in Russia, such as this magnificent emerald and diamond brooch. The case lid is stamped with both Stockholm and Moscow, as Wilhelm Bolin planned to move back to Russia as soon as it was possible and expected that the workshop in Moscow would soon be up and running again after the war. The Russian Revolution put an end to his plans.
Estimate: SEK 400 000 – 425 000 / EUR 34 370 – 36 520
Barbro Littmarck – Designer and Artist
Barbro Littmarck (1918-2008), was born in Sandviken, a small town about 190 kilometers north of Stockholm primarily known for its old ironworks. Her father was a lutheran vicar and her upbringing was mostly spent in the idyllic parish of Håtuna in the county of Uppland, which is situated just north of Stockholm. Her childhood resonated throughout Barbro’s life – she would draw both inspiration and strength from it, as well as from her strong religious faith.
Her education took place at the senior high school of ”Sigtuna Humanistiska Läroverk”, where, amongst others, a metalwork teacher inspired her artistic creativity and spotted Barbro’s potential, as well as at Konstfack, the University of Arts, Crafts and Design, from where she graduated in 1941 as a silversmith.
In 1940 she had already been offered an employment by Henrik Bolin, at the time head and owner of Court Jeweller W.A. Bolin, but she was keen to complete her studies properly and therefore only began working for the company in 1941. A long and very successful career as a designer of jewellery, silverwork and enamel for W.A. Bolin followed, and which concluded in the mid-1980s upon her retirement.
Littmarck participated in many exhibitions and competitions, winning several major awards for her creative work at W.A. Bolin. Her work is represented in Nationalmuseum and her silver objects are regularly used in many Swedish churches. A prominent example of Swedish silver of the period is the Archbishop of Uppsala’s crozier, perhaps the object Littmarck was most proud of.
Littmarck
Littmarck often found inspiration for her pieces in nature, and her colours and forms are distinctly shaped by this; her imagination seemed endless. The nature around Lake Mälaren of both Håtuna and Ekerö, where she lived up until her passing, was of great importance to her, as was her hobby of exercising music as part of the local cultural life in Ekerö.
It was in small, limited formats that Littmarck’s artistry and creativity shone the brightest. At the jewellers Bolin she would often be given commissions with set conditions, such as using certain stones or materials. The pieces she would go on to create would be creative, beautiful, wearable and highly appreciated by their buyers. One example of this is her so-called “basket-brooches”, which, on the rare occasion they come on to the auction market, are highly sought after. There are two examples of these brooches in the present auction;
Calalogue no:s 493 and 496
The artist and designer Barbro Littmarck will continue to live on in her delicate, imaginative and beautiful works of art; her jewellery and her various types of silverwork. The latter includes not only church silver, like the beautiful crucifix created for Ekerö Church, but also vases, candlesticks and bowls, all of which often have a modest, timeless design evocative of religious worship.
Karin Reuterskiöld, close friend of Barbro Littmarck Barbro
493. A basket brooch in 18K gold and enamel designed by Barbro Littmarck, W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1974.
Set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, pearls and rubies, dimensions 35 x 23 mm, total weight 16 g. W.A. 16 g. WAB, Stockholm 1974. The size of this brooch is unusually small for Littmarck’s basket brooches, so apart of being rare the size makes it very attractive.
Catalogue note: Barbro Littmarck’s works are characterized by gold in sculptural modernist shapes, often featuring stylized feather-like and plant-like formations with a tremendous drive in design. The metal is frequently accompanied by various powerful coloured stones in playful combinations, in line with the fashion of the 1960s and 70s. Littmarck is also known for her lifelike brooches in the shape of flower baskets. These also demonstrate her skill in using gold to create realistic braided baskets adorned with colored stones, diamonds, pearls, and enamel as plants and flowers. Her works in silver are also well-known.
Estimate: SEK 35 000 – 40 000 / EUR 3 010 – 3 440
494. A ring in 18K gold with an amethyst designed by Barbro Littmarck, W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1971.
Set with round brilliant-cut diamonds, size 18, total weight 16 g. W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1971.
Catalogue note: Barbro Littmarck’s works are characterized by gold in sculptural modernist shapes, often featuring stylized feather-like and plant-like formations with a tremendous drive in design. The metal is frequently accompanied by various powerful coloured gemstones in playful combinations, in line with the fashion of the 1960s and 1970s. Littmarck is also known for her lifelike brooches in the shape of flower baskets. These also demonstrate her skill in using gold to create realistic braided baskets adorned with coloured gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and enamel as plants and flowers. Her works in silver are equally well-known.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 35 000 / EUR 2 580 – 3 010
495. A ring in 18K gold with round brilliant-cut diamonds designed by Barbro Littmarck, W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1971.
Total weight ca 1.10 cts quality ca H vs, size 17/53, total weight 22 g. W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1971.
Catalogue note: Barbro Littmarck’s works are characterized by gold in sculptural modernist shapes, often featuring stylized feather-like and plant-like formations with a tremendous drive in design. The metal is frequently accompanied by various powerful coloured stones in playful combinations, following the fashion of the 1960s and 70s. Littmarck is also known for her lifelike brooches in the shape of flower baskets. These also demonstrate her skill in using gold to create realistic braided baskets adorned with coloured stones, diamonds, pearls, and enamel as plants and flowers. Her works in silver are also well-known.
Estimate: SEK 30 000 – 35 000 / EUR 2 580 – 3 010
496. A basket brooch in 18K gold and enamel with diamonds designed by Barbro Littmarck, W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1950.
Dimensions 24 x 32 mm, weight 9 g. W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1950.
Catalogue note: Barbro Littmarck’s works are characterized by gold in sculptural modernist shapes, often featuring stylized feather-like and plant-like formations with a tremendous drive in design. The metal is frequently accompanied by various powerful coloured stones in playful combinations, in line with the fashion of the 1960s and 70s. Littmarck is also known for her lifelike brooches in the shape of flower baskets. These also demonstrate her skill in using gold to create realistic braided baskets adorned with coloured stones, diamonds, pearls, and enamel as plants and flowers. Her works in silver are equally well-known.
Estimate: SEK 35 000 – 40 000 / EUR 3 010 – 3 440
497. A platinum ring with an emerald-cut diamond, W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1960. Ca 2.25 cts ca G/H vs as well as two modified baguette-cut diamonds measuring ca 4.0 x 4.4 mm, size ca 51, total weight 7.5 g. W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1960.
Estimate: SEK 125 000 – 150 000 / EUR 10 740 – 12 890
498. A brooch in platinum set with a pearl and round brilliant- and eight-cut diamonds designed by Henrik Bolin, W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1960. Design typical of Henrik Bolin with meandering diamond set floral blades which accompanies chaton set diamonds and in this case a pearl. Total weight of the diamonds ca 2.50 cts, Ø pearl 10 x 9 mm, dimensions 40 x 35 mm, total weight 11 g. W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1961.
Estimate: SEK 35 000 – 40 000 / EUR 3 010 – 3 440
499. A dress set in 18K gold set with round brilliant-cut diamonds designed by Hans Bolin, W.A. Bolin Stockholm 1987.
Comprising a pair of cufflinks, three shirt studs and a tie pin, of circular openwork design, in 18K, 18K gold with round brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of ca 1.15 cts, cufflink panels 16 mm, studs 9 mm, pin 14 mm, total weight 19.3 g. W.A. Bolin, Stockholm 1987.
Estimate: SEK 40 000 – 45 000 / EUR 3 440 – 3 870480. A rare and important jewelled 18K gold and enamel box by Bolin Moscow 1912–1917. The case of rectangular shape wreaths in green, white and red taille dèpargne enamel on gold base set with an emerald thumbpiece.
Dimensions: 7.5 x 6 x 0.5 cm. Weight 98 g.
Estimate: SEK 60 000 – 70 000 / EUR 5 160 – 6 020
Hallmarks, master’s marks and signatures
Hallmarks, master’s marks and signatures on items produced by Bolin.
The list is taken from “Jewellery & Silver for Tsars, Queens and others”, Magdalena Ribbing et al., Västerås 1996, and revised.
Jahn & Bolin (1830-tal–1871)
C E Bolin (1871–1917)
BOLIN (1888–1917)
Shanks & Bolin (1852–1888)
C E BOLIN (1871–1917)
W.A. BOLIN (1912–)
Robert Schwan (ca 1860 tal – ca 1900)
Sophia Schwan (ca 1900–1917)
Vladimir Finikov (ca 1880–1908)
Eduard Schramm (ca 1890–1917)
Maria Linke (1852–ca 1889)
Konstantin Linke (ca 1893–1917)
Nikolai Chernokov (ca 1890–1917)
Ivan Flinck (ca1852–1917)
Literature: Magdalena Ribbing et al., “Jewellery & Silver - for Tsars, Queens, and Others, W.A. Bolin 200 Years”, Västerås 1996.
Designers
In Russia
Auguste Moreau (1834–1917) French sculptor
Joseph Cheret (1838–1894) French sculptor
In Stockholm
Svante Nilsson (1869–1942) sculptor, active rst half of 20th century.
Ernst Hellgren (1889– 944) chaser, teacher, active rst half of 20th century.
Oscar Brandtberg (1886–1957) painter, craftsman, head teacher in decorative painting at the Technical School in Stockholm (Konstfack), Active mainly in the 1930’s.
Henrik Bolin ( 1892–1986) Head of W.A. Bolin from and Court Jeweller ca 1930, 4th generation, active from ca. 1910–1970.
Erik Svanson (1897–1964) chaser, silversmith, sculptor and graphic artist. Active ca 1940–1960.
Barbro Littmarck (1918–2008) Sculptor, jewellery and silver designer, enameller. Active 1941–1983.
Juliane Pfei er, German enamel artist activ at Bolin ca early 1950’s – late 1970’s.
Hans Bolin (1926–2011) Head of W.A. Bolin and court jeweller ca 1970, 5th generation, active ca 1944–2000.
Mats Theselius (1956-). Foremost a designer of furniture, but has for Bolin a.o. designed a collection of ”everyday objects” in silver, e.g. casseroles, single pieces of silverware and lamps.
Oscar Magnuson (1977– ) Cousin of the Swedish Crown Princess. Designer of a special collection ”Blossom” for Bolin.
number 449
Art Nouveau frame see
catalogue
