Details
This museum-quality Late Victorian mourning pendant features smooth, double-sided glass windows, set with original rims within a silver and 18ct gold frame, haloed by glittering old hand-cut paste stones. Though the contents are no longer present, a loving inscription on the back reveals this piece likely belonged to the Smith family, one of Britain’s most prominent 19th-century banking dynasties. It serves as a poignant time capsule, specifically commemorating Bertram Abel Smith, who tragically passed away at the tender age of three.
The Smiths were considered “banking royalty,” in the late 19th Century and resided at the grand Goldings estate in Hertfordshire. This pendant was likely commissioned from a leading London jeweller and worn close to the heart by Bertram’s grieving mother. It would originally have contained a miniature portrait or a lock of hair, serving as a deeply personal sanctuary of remembrance. The diamond-like stones have been thoughtfully chosen to symbolise purity and innocence, while the surrounding halo represents the eternal loving embrace of his mother.
Remarkably well preserved, this rare antique continues to convey the poignancy of a life dearly loved. Whether treasured as a collector’s item or worn once more as a meaningful heirloom, it is a spectacular piece of Victorian history, carrying a rich legacy that has endured for more than a century.
We recommend you insure for £2,000. We can provide a written Valuation on completion of the sale.
WEIGHT: 30 grams
MEASURES: Height 54mm (68mm inc. loop) x Width 46mm x Depth 7mm – Window Height 44mm x Width 36mm
METAL: Silver/ 18ct Gold
STONES: Paste Stones
AGE: Victorian. (Circa 1882)
MARKS: No marks, typical for items made before hallmarking legislation was introduced
CONDITION: Excellent, commensurate with age
ITEM NUMBER: 26-047
You can find more Victorian Mourning Lockets in our Antique Lockets collection.
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