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Fellows are delighted to offer a Louis XV era calendar for sale in the inaugural Fine Jewellery auction on Thursday 21st March. The diamond and mother-of-pearl calendar, dated 1774 was given out at court by Louis Dauphin and Marie-Antoinette Dauphine. It was given as a token of friendship to the court by the royals to celebrate the New Year. Louis XVI (at this point, Dauphin for another year) was known to give out gold snuff boxes and these ornately decorated calendars.
It was bought by the current owner in the Collection Marie-Antoinette at Christie’s in Paris, on 3rd November 2015. The auction had a total price realised of €707,988. The calendar was also previously exhibited at the Palace of Versailles in 1955. Louis-Auguste (Dauphin) and Marie-Antoinette were the last King and Queen of France, eventually being executed during the French Revolution.
A Louis XV gold, diamond and mother-of-pearl calendar
With an estimate of £6,000 – £8,000, the calendar is one of many highlights included in the sale on Thursday 21st March. It has been an exciting time for Fellows Auctioneers with the introduction of a new free bidding platform (Fellows Live) and a fresh Fine Jewellery auction. The Fine Jewellery sale will take place six times over the course of a year, replacing Fellows’ previous Antique & Modern Jewellery auctions. The Fine Jewellery sale will consist of around 500 lots, including elegant and high-end jewellery, ranging from designer to historically beautiful pieces.
Nicola Whittaker, from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer such a historically interesting piece in Fellows’ inaugural Fine Jewellery auction. This calendar was given out by Louis Dauphin, later Louis XVI, and his wife Marie-Antoinette to members of their court. Louis was known for giving extravagant gifts to his friends and that this calendar contains birthdays, social events and astrological information makes it very sentimental. This is the first time this piece has come to auction within the UK and we are excited to bring it to a British market given the recent surge in popularity of pieces connected to the couple.”
Fellows is expecting a lot of interest in this piece, given its connection to Marie-Antoinette. After all, Marie-Antoinette’s pearls broke world records at Sotheby’s Geneva auction at the end of last year.
The Fine Jewellery sale is now available to view online and in person at the following times:
12 March 2019 12noon – 7pm (London)
16 March 2019 11am – 4pm (Birmingham)
19 March 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
20 March 2019 10am – 4pm (Birmingham)
21 March 2019 8.30am – 10am (Birmingham)
Photo ID is required
Fellows’ Antique & Modern Jewellery sale featured a 17th century Stuart crystal memorial portrait ring, depicting Charles I. The ring entered to sale with an estimate of £1,200 – £1,800, and sold for a full price of £4,083.20 (including fees). The central portrait of Charles I sits protected beneath rock crystal. The ring featured as Lot 504 in the auction on Thursday 6th December.
Charles I became heir following the death of his brother, Henry, in 1612. He then became king in 1625. A controversial figure who appeared to lack leadership, the tenure of Charles I resulted in the outbreak of civil war. The king himself was eventually executed following a lengthy war against Oliver Cromwell’s parliamentarians. Charles was beheaded in Whitehall on 30th January 1649, and he was buried at Windsor Castle on 9th February, following the refusal to lay him to rest at Westminster Abbey.
The execution of Charles I prompted the emergence of memorial jewellery in Puritan England, with loyal Royalist supporters wearing jewellery set with a secret inscription or image to mourn their deceased king. Memorial jewellery differed from memento mori styles in that it commemorated a particular person.
Charles I ring
In December 2018 the ring sold for £4,083.20 (including fees).
Alex Duffy, Jewellery Specialist from Fellows Auctioneers, said: “Royalist mementos such as this are few and far between, so it is a pleasure to be able to offer one up for sale.The naively painted portrait of the fallen king, within its enamel bezel, is a fine example of Stuart Crystal jewellery.”
You can watch a video of Alex discussing this item here:
Want to learn more about the English Civil War with Fellows?
We have some great resources:
Killing a king: the regicide of Charles I
From imprisonment and trial to execution and legacy, historian Rebecca Rideal unravels one of the most important events in British history – the regicide of Charles I. Access the recording here.
Charles I Stuart Crystal Ring
In December 2018, Fellows sold a 17th century Stuart crystal memorial portrait ring. The ring which depicted Charles I sold for £4,083.20 (including fees).
Find out more on our blog.
Pontefract Siege Coin
A Charles I AR Lozenge Shilling. This coin was part of the Pontefract Siege coinage made in 1648. We spoke to historian Julian Humphrys about why this coin is so special.
See the interview on our blog.
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Fellows’ upcoming Antique & Modern Jewellery sale features a stunning brooch, made to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII. The early 20th century gold brooch features beautiful diamond and enamel, with a sublime admirable surround. The alluring piece features ruby and demantoid garnet, which is used in a lot of jewellery of that time.
The enamel is in great condition, and the three central stones depict England, Scotland and Ireland. The shamrock and thistle wreath surround the crown with English roses inter spaced.
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Calendar given as gift by Marie-Antoinette could fetch £10,000 at auction