Here we look at a very rare piece of Royal interest, Lot 173, this mid Victorian silver cross dedicated to the memory of Prince Albert, circa 1862. This naturalistic split log style cross features textured bark detailing with a central crown of thorns with a pearl accent. The crown then lifts to reveal a scrolled 'A' and a photograph of Prince Albert. The reverse is inscribed with 'Dein Wille gerschehe!', with a hinged section inscribed 'Rosenau 26 August 1819. Windsor Castle 14 Debr.1861.' This hinged section then lifts to reveal a lock of Prince Albert's hair coiled as a lovers knot. 

The photograph in the locket was taken by John J. Edwin Mayall, in 1860. After Prince Albert's death, Queen Victoria gave numerous commemorative jewels set with portraits of her beloved husband, and this cross with its German inscription may have made for Prince Albert's German relatives such as his brother Ernest II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.

AUCTION DETAILS
Tuesday 8 December | 10.30am
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

This is an online auction with auctioneer.

VIEWING:

• Viewing in Newbury from 3 December
• Dreweatts Remote Viewing Service | Find out more
• Condition reports can be provided upon request.

Viewing is by appointment only, in accordance with Covid-19 regulations.

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