An ordinary valuation day at Tennants Auctioneers quickly changed to extraordinary with the arrival of some unique pieces of Jewellery. Sarah Hardy, jewellery specialist, was asked to see a customer with some Victorian Jewellery. The jewellery in fact turned out to be Victorian in more than just its era.
A Yorkshire couple made the decision to part with family heirlooms, which came into their possession by family descent. Their ancestry goes back to Dr Andrew Robertson, the Royal Commissioner to the Balmoral estates 1847-1875.
To be offered for sale by auction are three items
An amethyst and half pearl enamelled brooch (Lot 720), cased by R & S Garrard & Co. A gift to Joanne F. Robertson, the daughter of Dr Robertson, on her wedding day. It is inscribed to the reverse ‘FROM H.M. THE QUEEN TO J.F. ROBERTSON 28TH AUGUST 1860’. Estimate £5,000 – 8,000
An amethyst and half pearl enamelled pendant on chain (Lot 721), cased by Hunt & Roskell, also given to Joanne F. Robertson on her wedding day. This is inscribed to the reverse of the pendant ‘FROM H.M. THE PRINCE CONSORT TO J.F. ROBERTSON 28
TH AUGUST 1860’. Estimate £5,000 – 8,000
A cravat pin (Lot 722), with a handpainted portrait of prince Albert within a frame of laurel leaves, cased by M. Rettie & Sons. This is believed to be an informal gift to Doctor Robertson, from Prince Albert. Family legend has it that Dr Robertson was in need of such item and this was loaned to him by Prince Albert. When Dr Robertson returned the piece it is believed Prince Albert told him to keep it, as he did not really need a pin with his own portrait on it! It is inscribed to the reverse ‘ALBERT FROM V.R.’, making this perhaps the most historically significant of the three. Estimate £3,000 – 5,000