Formerly in the Collection of Lady Emma Hamilton
Banded Agate Parure
Lot Closed
November 28, 03:10 PM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Read more.Lot Details
Description
The necklace composed of a series of oval and circular vari-sized banded agate cabochons within seed pearl and ropetwist borders, between fine trace-link chain swags, suspending four similarly-set pendants, with matching pendent earrings later converted to hat/hair pins, and pair of matching bracelets.
- Lengths: necklace 31cm, bracelets approximately 16cm
- Circa 1800
- Accompanied by fitted period case
Lady Emma Hamilton (1765-1815)
Given by Lady Hamilton to Mrs H Cadogan, wife of the British Consul at Calais
Purchased in 1821 from Mrs H Cadogan by Mrs Roberts, remaining in the family until it was sold at Bonhams, London in 2005.
Accompanied by a copy of the ‘Special Nelson Supplement’ in The Standard Newspaper, dated 21st October 1905, marking the centenary of The Battle of Trafalgar, in which the article ‘Nelson’s Legacy to The Nation – Last Days of Lady Hamilton – Friends in Adversity’, details the provenance of the demi-parure, alongside a sketch of the necklace, bracelet and earrings/hat pins. The centenary supplement includes additional articles marking the 100 years since the battle such as ‘If Trafalgar Had Been Lost’ and ‘How England Heard The Tale’.
Lady Emma Hamilton became friends with the Queen of Naples whilst living in the region with her husband, Lord William Hamilton, prior to meeting Nelson in around 1787, leading to their notorious affair which lasted until his death at Trafalgar in 1805.
By family repute, the necklace, bracelets and pendent earrings were presented to Lady Hamilton by the Queen of Naples. She in turn gave it to Mrs H Cadogen, wife of the British Consul at Calais. It was purchased in 1821 from Mrs Cadogen by Mrs Roberts, remaining in the family until it was sold at Bonhams in 2005. It has since remained in the same collection for the last 20 years. Accompanied by several handwritten notes supporting the succession from Lady Hamilton to Mrs Cadogen and, in turn, to Mrs Roberts.
