A 19th century emerald and diamond brooch, the circular emerald cabochon inlaid with a cushion-shaped diamond, in a claw setting to a polished gold bar brooch, the reverse with engraved inscription ‘Presented / by / Emperor Napoleon III / to Tho’s Gullick / 16 May 1861,’ emerald dimensions 14.7 x 14.7 x 10.1mm, length 5.2cm. £1,000-£1,500

By direct descent to the current owner.

Thomas Gullick was a military boot and spur manufacturer based in Pall Mall, London. In the Official Illustrated Catalogue for the International Exhibition of 1862 he is recorded as being the ‘boot-maker to His Late Royal Highness The Prince Consort, and to His Imperial Majesty Napoleon III’.

The emerald brooch offered here is referenced in the catalogue as follows:

‘Imperial Present - A very costly scarf pin, the head of which is of the form of an imperial crown, and consists of a large globe emerald with a fine brilliant set in its centre, was presented, May 16, 1861, by the Emperor Napoleon to Messrs. Gullick, as a testimonial of approval of their Patent Eclipse Spur Box, and their newly invented Lac Japan Leather (unequalled for hunting and riding), as supplied by them to His Imperial Majesty.’


Literature:
International Exhibition of 1862; Official Illustrated Catalogue, Vol. 9, pub. Her Majesty's Commissioners, 1862, page 53.