A HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT ROYAL JEWEL, MID 19TH CENTURY

The latin cross set with square-cut amethysts, in original fitted case together with handwritten label, dated October 22, 1874, height approximately 77 mm (2).

Otto Prince of Bavaria, later King Otto I (1848-1916).  His mother Queen Marie (1825-1889), given by her to the Obersthofmeisterin Juliane Gräfin von der Mühle (1822-1889) on 22nd of October,1874.

This piece is being offered by the direct heirs of the recipient.

Cf: Bayerns Königinnen, Martha Schad, 1992, page 225, for more details.

In good condition. The eleven amethysts of a medium to pale hues. In its fitted case with handwritten note, please note that the lot comprise only the cross pendant. Some signs of normal wear, overall in good condition Larger than illustrated, height approximately 77mm. This lot is below Dutch legal gold alloy.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This cross was originally a gift from Prince Otto, the younger brother of Bavarian's famous dream king Ludwig II to his mother to commemorate his confirmation.  The Queen in turn presented this cross to Countess von der Mühle.

After the death of her husband in March 1864, Queen Marie led a very quiet life and considered changing her faith from Protestantism to Catholicism.  By September 1987, this decision was made in Hohenschwangau, the old castle near Today's Neuschwanstein, and chose her 32nd wedding day, alsothe name day of her late husband, the 12th of October.  She converted in the presence of the bishop of Speyer, Dr von Haneberg, who already had come to Hoehnschwangau on the 8th of October 1874.  Less than ten guests were present, amongst them the lady in waiting Countess Fugger and the Obersthofmeisterin Countess von der Mühle and her son Otto.  Her son, King Ludwig II, did not take part, possibly for political reasons because he did not want to give the impression that this was an anti Prussian occasion.  Pope Pius gave his consent to the conversion on the 28 of October.  This cross was an important gift to commemorate this utterly important ceremony.  Its significance for the Queen is shown by the fact that this cross still his accompanied by her handwritten note.  As this cross was a present on the occasion of her son Otto's confirmation, it is a well-chosen and meaningful gift to commemorate her conversion.