Lot 105
Ballater - a Scottish provincial Royal presentation plaid brooch
Auction: 13 February 2008 at 11:00 GMT
Description
by William Robb of Ballater, marked ROBB / BALLATER (in triangular punch), Edinburgh 1898 - 99, of annular form with engraved panels of Celtic knot work and four Celtic bosses, inscribed to reverse '19 ERI 04'
Dimensions
8.7cm diameter, 3oz
Footnote
Provenance: presented by King Edward VII to his ghillie / stalker on the Balmoral estate on his retirement.
Notes:
This plaid brooch is of the pattern worn by the Balmoral Highlanders. William Robb was commissioned on many occasions by King Edward and his mother Queen Victoria to make silver for the Royal family and also utilitarian wares for the dress uniforms of the Balmoral Highlanders.
The Balmoral Highlanders were formed from the estate and household workers at Balmoral and performed ceremonial duties at the castle for state occasions and also at the local Highland gatherings etc. While the main order for uniforms from Robb was placed in 1904 earlier examples such as this do exist. The later engraved inscription to the reverse does seem to suggest that when the recipient left the estate employment he was presented with this piece.
The main order placed to William Robb for Balmoral Highlanders uniform accessories in 1904 was for a complete set for twenty five men. The Highlanders had been in existence for sometime previous to this and had been in varying forms for over 30 years. This plaid brooch must be considered one of the earliest examples of the 'official' pattern for the later 1904 order. All other examples known to this author have been dated with a 1904-05 Edinburgh hallmark.