Super quality 15ct gold glass fronted antique locket memorializing the 1865 death of Sir John Guise, 3rd Baronet Of Elmore Court, England. An aristocratic piece steeped in history!
This is a solid locket with a hinged door to the back and a deep glass panel with a gold bezel to the front. The glass panel is removable and there is lots of room inside for a photo or other precious keepsake. Typically these would have contained locks of hair from the dearly departed but this one is empty save for a round cardboard liner backed in black bombazine fabric.
A versatile piece which can be worn with or without the decorative black liner or you could replace it with your own photo. Worn without the liner the engraving is visible which is delightful in itself. The inside is engraved " "Sir J.W. Guise, Bar't Died April 11th 1865" and the acronym "GCB" The back of the pendant is decorated in machine turned engraving in a geometric pattern with a central round cartouche bearing the same inscription as the inside.
The back of the locket, that is engraved, tests as solid 15ct gold. The floral carved framed rim and decorative bail at the top is 15ct gold cased (a mechanically bonded sheet of thick gold over a base metal, usually silver), this technique is typical with this style of mourning locket, the silver core adding strength and durability.
An interesting side note: the acronym "GCB" signifies that Queen Victoria knighted Sir John, bestowing on him the title "Knight of the Grand Cross, Order of the Bath". An ancient order of chivalry, he was indeed a brave man who gained the rank of General in the British army and served his country fighting in the Napoleonic wars 1808-1814.
MATERIALS: Solid 15ct gold back, 15ct gold cased silver frame
DATE: 1860's, Victorian
MEASUREMENTS: Pendant 1-1/2" high, 1-1/4" wide (45x35mm) with a depth of 7mm
WEIGHT: 10.4 grams
HALLMARKS: None as is typical in these pieces
CONDITION: In very very good antique condition with expected signs of age and minimal wear. The glass is free of cracks, the hinged back is in perfect working order and closes securely. There is a slight crease in the gold at the hinge which is more a quirk seen in jewellery that isn't mass produced rather than any real flaw.
Victorian 15ct Carved Gold Glass Fronted Locket. Antique Engraved Memorial Pendant For Sir John Guise, English Baronet 1865