Victorian Gold and Garnet Hornsey Family Brooch
Dated 1864 AD. A large gold memorial brooch, the front inscribed 'IN MEMORY OF' in Black Letter reserved against black enamel to perimeter with raised ivy leaf spray around the dark central cabochon garnet, inset with a gold star set with a small pearl; the reverse with central glazed recess holding three locks of hair held together with wire braid and a short silk ribbon set with three small pearls, the reverse perimeter engraved in script for 'John Hornsey died 7 September 1864 aged 48, Matthew Hornsey died 13 October 1864 aged 82', and 'M(atthew) Hornsey junior died 10 October 1864 aged 50'; fitted with brooch pin and small loop and ring for wearing as a pendant. 18.38 grams, 40mm (1 1/2"). From the collection of an Essex jeweller. It is usual for mourning jewellery to name three members of the same family, but the three named persons all died within about six weeks of each other so it is possible that the family was affected by an outbreak of cholera or a similar disease, such as were quite often experienced in the United Kingdom during the 19th century.
Condition Report: Very fine condition.
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Dated 1864 AD. A large gold memorial brooch, the front inscribed 'IN MEMORY OF' in Black Letter reserved against black enamel to perimeter with raised ivy leaf spray around the dark central cabochon garnet, inset with a gold star set with a small pearl; the reverse with central glazed recess holding three locks of hair held together with wire braid and a short silk ribbon set with three small pearls, the reverse perimeter engraved in script for 'John Hornsey died 7 September 1864 aged 48, Matthew Hornsey died 13 October 1864 aged 82', and 'M(atthew) Hornsey junior died 10 October 1864 aged 50'; fitted with brooch pin and small loop and ring for wearing as a pendant. 18.38 grams, 40mm (1 1/2"). From the collection of an Essex jeweller. It is usual for mourning jewellery to name three members of the same family, but the three named persons all died within about six weeks of each other so it is possible that the family was affected by an outbreak of cholera or a similar disease, such as were quite often experienced in the United Kingdom during the 19th century.
Condition Report: Very fine condition.
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