The Family Collection of the late Countess Mountbatten of Burma

Cultured pearl, diamond and enamel bracelet, 1940s

Auction Closed

March 24, 08:41 PM GMT

Estimate

2,000 - 3,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Cultured pearl, diamond and enamel bracelet

1940s

composed of four strands of cultured pearls, the clasp and central element depicting the insignia of the Grenadier Guards and the Coldstream Guards, applied with enamel, calibré-cut rubies and rose-cut diamonds, each detaching to form a clip brooch, length approximately 185mm, two rose-cut diamonds and a calibré-cut ruby deficient on Star

Unsigned. Cultured pearls measuring approximately from 5.0 - 6.0mm, some with growth features like pits and banding. Calibré-cut ruby and two rose-cut diamonds deficient on star. Enamel in good condition, some areas of small pits. Width approximately 28mm. Clasp secure. Gross weight approximately 40 grams. Overall condition good.

"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.

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."

Commissioned by Doreen, Lady Brabourne (1896-1979)

Inventory of Jewels belonging to Doreen, Lady Brabourne, 1965, boxes 2 & 3.

Lady Brabourne's eldest son, Norton Knatchbull, 6th Baronet (1922-1943) was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards in 1940, after serving in the Royal East Kent Regiment. He was wounded and captured by the Germans in Italy in 1943. On his way to a Germany he tried to escape from a POW train at Bronzolo, a village in South Tyrol, together with Arnold Guy Vivian, a fellow officer in the 6th Battalion. Both were recaptured and executed on the 15 September 1943.

His title passed to his brother, John Brabourne (1924-2005) who became the 7th Baronet. He served in the Coldstream Guards, rising to the rank of Captain. He fought in France from 1944.

The present bracelet was a touching tribute commissioned by Doreen, Lady Brabourne to the son she lost and her surviving sons heroic service during the war.