A quality antique Edwardian 9ct gold portrait miniature pendant in its original "Bassano Studio" brown leather display case. The portrait is of Lieutenant Frederick William Joseph Macdonald Miller, the eldest son of Sir William Frederick Miller, 5th Baronet of Glenlee. Lieutenant Miller fought in the First World War and was tragically killed in action on 23 October 1914 at age 22.
The portrait, a carte de visite photo finished in water colour was painted by artists at the Bassano studios in London who offered this special service to their patrons. Alexander Bassano, an English photographer, was a leading Royal and high society portrait photographer was best known for his photographs of Queen Victoria and most famously for taking the picture of Lord Kitchener that was used for the basis of the "Your Country Needs You" poster campaign during World War One.
A rare and unusual piece that ticks so many boxes for a wide range of collectors. It is possible the portrait miniature was commissioned as a memorial piece by Sir William or a family member after Miller's death. Lieutenant Miller was the heir to the Baronetcy and would have become the 6th Baronet of Glenlee had he not died. This same image of Lieutenant Miller was used for his obituary published in the The Times newspaper. The obituary is recorded in London's Imperial War Museum's website at https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205385839 (a print out of which can be seen in our photos).
MATERIALS: pendant 9ct gold, case leather
MEASUREMENTS: pendant 3" (7.8cm) tall including the hanging bale, 2" (5cm) wide. The display case measures 4-1/2" by 4" (11.5x10 cm)
WEIGHT: pendant 22.7 grams
DATE: circa 1914
HALLMARKS: pendant stamped '9C' for 9ct gold on the bale. Case stamped 'Bassano London' on the stand
CONDITION: in very, very good antique condition with no noted flaws, any white lines in the portrait are reflections. The portrait is signed "Frederick William Joseph Macdonald Miller" on the back, it is pegged into the 9ct gold frame and protected behind glass. The back of the pendant is covered in cream coloured soft suede. The fitted leather box has hinged double doors with button closure and there is a display stand on the back. We will include
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At Mercy Madge we offer quality antique and vintage jewellery sourced in Great Britain. Each piece is hand selected with you in mind and we rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
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Materials: 9ct gold.