Two Faberge pieces reappear

– They should have vanished after Russia’s October Revolution, melted down with the rest of a solid silver tableware set by Faberge. And yet, two knives, pictured, from the collection have just resurfaced in Poland.

After the 1917 revolution, the Bolshevik-ruled Russia that emerged needed money to wage war and consolidate its power.

To this end, the valuable possessions of pre-revolutionary elites were nationalised. Handcrafted gold and silverware, including more than 100 pieces of silverware by Peter Carl Faberge, were melted down to obtain precious metals. But, as it turns out, not all was lost.

“Two fish knives – one for serving that is 35cm long and another for individual use that is 21cm – were miraculously spared,” said Adam Szymanski, a Faberge expert. –

Warsaw

Florence

Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday outlined plans for a transition period of about two years after Brexit, during which Britain would continue paying into the Eurpean Union (EU) budget and accessing EU markets.

Delivering a speech in Florence, May said there would also be a continuation of European Union free movement rules during this “implementation period”, although EU citizens would be required to register.

Preparations necessary for Britain to adjust to a new relationship with the EU after Brexit “point to an implementation period of around two years,” she said.

On payments, the British leader added: “I do not want our partners