1906 The Swan Royal Russian Egg 6 Inches Tall (Egg on a Stand)4 Inches Tall (Just the Egg)3 Inches DiameterPewter, Enamel, CrystalsHand CraftedPadded Satin Lined Gift Box Egg History: The Swan Egg was ordered in 1906 by Tsar Nicholas II, and the egg was presented to the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna on Easter that year for her 40th wedding anniversary. It was made of mauve enamel, with gold trim. On the exterior is a twisted ribbon trellis design of rose-cut diamonds, as well as a portrait diamond on the top inscribed "1906". Another portrait diamond on the other end once held the Imperial monograph. The "surprise" that came inside the egg is a miniature gold and silver swan on a "lake" of aquamarine. By winding a gear beneath one of the wings, the bird's mechanical neck and wings move. In Russia, the swan is considered a symbol of family life and the permanence of the bond of marriage. View photos For Further Details