A paste demi parure, late 18th century, possibly Spain or...

comprising: a brooch designed as bow, set throughout with circular-cut paste of blue and colouless tint; and a pair of earrings designed as a double bow, set throughout with circular-cut paste of yellow tint, screw back fittings.

Condition Report:
Brooch: Some wear to facet edges to the paste with some damage to the foiled backing. Scratches and areas of tarnish to the metal consistent with age and wear. Please note that the pin is a later addition. Measuring approximately 36 x 70mm. Overall good condition.
Earrings: Some wear to facet edges to the paste with some damage to the foiled backing. Scratches and areas of tarnish to the metal consistent with age and wear. Length approximately 80mm. Overall good condition. Total gross weight approximately 60 grams.

Catalogue Note:
This exquisite demi-parure may have been worn by the Henry Cyril Paget, 5th Marquess of Anglesey (1875-1905). Known as 'The Dancing Marquess', his extravagant taste, spending, and the theatrical productions with lavish costumes he produced and starred in are the stuff of legend. The 17 days of auctions held in 1904 to settle his huge debts were widely reported at the time too. His trustees forbade the sale of designated Anglesey family 'heirlooms', which included paintings, silver, militaria, furniture, historic jewels and miniatures. It is possible that the present lot formed a part of those antique items 'held back'. In happier times the theatrical nature of the present lot may have appealed to the 5th Marquess for use in one of his productions. He is photographed profusely attired in jewels in many studio portraits of him wearing costume.