18th Nov, 2017 9:00 GMT/BST
Autumn Fine Art Sale
391
Royal Interest, a Turquoise and Diamond Brooch, of sinuous foliate scrolls inset with turquoise and
Inscribed verso: 'Had belonged to dear grandmama V. From Mama V.R. 14th April 1871. To Beatrice'
This brooch is believed to have belonged to Victoria, Duchess of Kent (formerly Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld), who, upon her death in 1861, left her jewellery to her daughter, Queen Victoria. The brooch was later gifted by Queen Victoria to her youngest daughter, Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom (later Princess Henry of Battenberg) in the event of her 14th birthday, on the 14th April 1871.
Princess Beatrice (14th April 1857 - 26th October 1944) was the youngest of Queen Victoria's nine children. Affectionately called 'Baby' by her mother, she was regarded as Queen Victoria's devoted companion, staying by her mother's side until the Queen's death on the 22nd January 1901.
Provenance: Purchased by our client's late father from a jewellers in Skipton, during the 1940s, as a gift to his wife.
A garnet and enamel brooch, gifted to Helena, Princess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, in 1870 on her 24th birthday, was offered for sale by Bonhams as Lot 219, 6th April 2011, which bears a similarly worded inscription in what appears to be identical script. This same brooch is documented in 'Jewellery 1789-1910 Volume I', by Shirley Bury, page 291, colour plate 71.
Sold for £7,500
Estimated at £3,000 - £5,000
The brooch is in good condition. There is some minor discolouration to the turquoise. It is not hallmarked or stamped but in our opinion would test as gold. It fastens with a pin and c-hook with a safety chain. The approximate qualities of the diamonds are; colour I/J, clarity VS2/SI1/SI2. Gross weight 15.6 grams. Condition Report made 17th August 2017.
We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.
Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.
We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.
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