About this lot
Description
the central section comprising an oval pearl, 7.2 x 6.2mm surrounded by eight petals each set with one old and one rose cut diamond, estimated total approximate weight 1.30ct, oval border with four 5.5mm pearls at cardinal points spacing four quadrants each set with five seed pearls, detachable pearl set trefoil shaped bale and detachable brooch pin fitting, overall dimensions excluding the bale, 3.3 x 2.8cm, unmarked yellow metal tested to at least 15ct gold, weight 18.1g, presented in the original fitted case with an applied shield engraved 'To Lady Victoria Alexandrina Alberta Kerr from her Godmother VICTORIA R 11 December 1876', along with a cased portrait miniature said to be of the recipient and accompanying correspondence from Queen Victoria and the recipient's mother, Lady Victoria Montagu-Douglas-Scott
Footnote: Provenance: By direct descent to the current vendor Lady Victoria Alexandrina Alberta Kerr was the 5th daughter of Schomberg Henry Kerr, 9th Marquess of Lothian and Lady Victoria Montagu-Douglas-Scott. Born on November 7th 1876, this jewel was gifted by Queen Victoria to the young Lady Victoria to whom she was godmother, as a christening present. The young Lady Victoria's mother, Lady Victoria Montagu-Douglas-Scott, was herself christened in Buckingham Palace in 1845 and was also god daughter to the Queen. She went on to marry, in November 1903, William Sullivan Gosling, a British Army Office and footballer, who competed as a member of Upton Park football team in the 1900 Paris Olympic Games, winning a gold medal. They had 4 sons. Transcripts of the correspondence: Newbattle Abbey Dalkeith Dec 6 1876 Madam Your Majesty's gracious invitation of being sponsor to our little daughter was told me by my mother some little time ago who also conveyed to us that it is your Majesty's pleasure that the child should be named 'Victoria Alberta'. My mother indicated to let your Majesty know with what pleasure and gratification we heard of the news which it was your Majesty's intention to confer upon us. I write now to inform your Majesty that the christening is fixed for Monday next the 11th.... and that we intend asking Lady Elphinstone to represent your Majesty on the occasion and hope that this will meet with your Majesty's approval. I should have informed your Majesty of this sooner, but that it was not possible definitely to fix the day until yesterday. I remain Madam your Majesty's very faithful and obedient humble servant & subject, V A Lothian Windsor Castle December 9th 1876 Dear Victoria, I send with this letter my gift to my dear little god daughter of whom I am so pleased. She was…my… great… my god child and only regret I cannot hold her as I did…..many years ago at that(?) christening. I rejoice to hear that you have recovered so well and that Margaret is also getting better. With kind remembrances….dear parents as well as to Lord Lothian believe me always…..Affect_ Godmother Newbattle Abbey December 11th 1876 Madam, Your Majesty’s gracious letter reached us this morning and also the most beautiful locket which your Majesty has sent for our little daughter and which has arrived quite safely. I am unable to find words to express how deeply we feel your Majesty’s very great kindship to us on this occasion, and which I can assure your Majesty will never be forgotten by us. My mother and Margaret beg me to say how much gratified they are by your Majesty’s kind remembrance of them. I remain Madam Your Majesty’s very faithful and dedicated servant & subject Victoria A Lothian
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