THE PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN
AN ANTIQUE FRENCH DIAMOND FLOWERSPRAY BROOCH designed in four sections as a trailing spray of wild rose, the diamond flowers with bud and leaf surround, mounted in silver and gold, in fitted case, with hairpiece, brooch and tiara fitments, circa 1865, bearing French assay marks, in original fitted case with initials M.E.C., the interior with retailer's address Rouvenat & F. Desprès, 62 Rue d'Hauteville 62, Paris, sold with two diagrams for assembly
Details
AN ANTIQUE FRENCH DIAMOND FLOWERSPRAY BROOCH designed in four sections as a trailing spray of wild rose, the diamond flowers with bud and leaf surround, mounted in silver and gold, in fitted case, with hairpiece, brooch and tiara fitments, circa 1865, bearing French assay marks, in original fitted case with initials M.E.C., the interior with retailer's address Rouvenat & F. Desprès, 62 Rue d'Hauteville 62, Paris, sold with two diagrams for assembly
15.5cm. wide
Maison Rouvenat were famous for their diamond-set jewels which were highly adaptable as in the present example
(see H.Vever, La Bijouterie Française au XIX Siècle, 1908 reprint, vol. II, p.288)
15.5cm. wide
Maison Rouvenat were famous for their diamond-set jewels which were highly adaptable as in the present example
(see H.Vever, La Bijouterie Française au XIX Siècle, 1908 reprint, vol. II, p.288)
Provenance
Given by Joseph Chamberlain (1836-1914) to his third wife, the former Mary Crowningshield Endicott Jr., on their marriage in 1881.
Joseph Chamberlain, father of Austen and Neville Chamberlain (later Prime Minister) first achieved prominence as a social reformer. He campaigned for a national system of education and as Mayor of Birmingham (1873-5) he instigated radical municipal improvements in housing and sanitation which were influential in Victorian England. He served in Gladstone's Liberal Government, resigned over Irish Home Rule and became a founder member of the Liberal Unionists. This party aligned with the Conservatives and Chamberlain served as Colonial Secretary in Lord Salisbury's 1895 cabinet. His expressed hopes were to strengthen Great Britain's ties with her Colonies and further develop their resources. Described by a contemporary as possessing the genius of friendship, the same commentator added 'alert, not without a pleasant squeeze of lemon to add savour to the daily dish'. Mary Endicott was descended from a famous governor of Massachussetts and on her mother's side was related to the Peabodys who founded Groton School.
Joseph Chamberlain, father of Austen and Neville Chamberlain (later Prime Minister) first achieved prominence as a social reformer. He campaigned for a national system of education and as Mayor of Birmingham (1873-5) he instigated radical municipal improvements in housing and sanitation which were influential in Victorian England. He served in Gladstone's Liberal Government, resigned over Irish Home Rule and became a founder member of the Liberal Unionists. This party aligned with the Conservatives and Chamberlain served as Colonial Secretary in Lord Salisbury's 1895 cabinet. His expressed hopes were to strengthen Great Britain's ties with her Colonies and further develop their resources. Described by a contemporary as possessing the genius of friendship, the same commentator added 'alert, not without a pleasant squeeze of lemon to add savour to the daily dish'. Mary Endicott was descended from a famous governor of Massachussetts and on her mother's side was related to the Peabodys who founded Groton School.
Engraved