An 18th century gem set locket containing a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie's hair
£4,200
Jacobite, Stuart, and Scottish Applied Arts
Auction: 13 May 2015 at 12:00 BST
Description
of heart shaped outline, modelled in silver, the glazed panel set with a lock of Bonnie Prince Charlie's hair in a foliate enamel border and initials CP, pink paste set border, the bale similarly set, the reverse with engraving 'HAIR OF PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD AT 16YRS'
Dimensions
3cm high including bale
Footnote
Provenance:
Previously in the collection of the British Archaeologist Louis Colville Gray Clarke, Curator of the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge 1922-1937, and then Director of Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge from 1937-1946.
Notes: Much of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s early years were spent in preparation for his fight against the Hanoverian monarchy to restore his father to the throne. It was a topic which dominated family life during his childhood in Italy, and as a strong believer in the divine right of kings and the legitimacy of the House of Stuart, the family life was one of privilege despite their exile. In 1734, the Young Pretender had his first experience of war whilst joining the Spanish forces at the siege of Gaeta where he reportedly conducted himself bravely. The lock of hair from this locket represents an early part of his life, during a period that he and his father were in pursuit of support to return to England and attempt to reclaim the throne.