Alexander Wakewa for Fabergé: An Imperial presentation cigarette case, circa 1890

Alexander Wakewa for Fabergé: An Imperial presentation cigarette case, circa 1890 Of ribbed form with hidden hinges, applied with an old and rose-cut diamond Imperial Eagle and cabochon sapphire thumb piece, with vesta case, striker and tinder cord, presentation inscription to interior of lid; 'Given by the Czarewitch to Captain George C. Swinton, Highland Light Infantry, extra A.D.C. to The Marquess of Lansdowne, Viceroy of India, Calcutta 1891.', workmaster mark AW, St Petersburg, pre 1898, in fitted case with gilt Russian Imperial Arms (Length: 9.3cm) Provenance: Kimmerghame, Duns, the Estate of the Late Major General Sir John Swinton K.C.V.O., O.B.E., D.L. and by descent from Captain George Swinton C.B.E., D.L. Captain George Sitwell Campbell Swinton, 1859-1937. He married Elizabeth Ebsworth in 1895 who is the subject of the famous portrait by John Singer Sargent. His Army career started locally in the Linlithgow and Peebles Artillery in 1877, after various promotions, rose to Captain and retired in 1893. He was appointed extra aide-de-camp to Lord Lansdowne who was Viceroy of India from 1888-1894. It was during this period he was given the task of assisting the Czarevitch during a visit to Calcutta as he could speak French. It was discovered later he couldn't speak French, but he must have been able to deal with matters as the cigarette case was presented to Capt. Swinton. Ironically, he was the only member of the Staff who didn't smoke. Swinton then moved on to a political career and was involved in town planning in London and then Delhi. Further appointments in this distinguished career include Deputy Lieutenant for the County of London; March pursuivant of Arms Extraordinary; Lord Lyon King of Arms and Secretary to the Order of the Thistle.