Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

An early 20th century gold and enamel Royal cypher brooch for King George V and Queen Mary, the lozenge outline centred with red and blue enamelled initials ‘GM’ beneath a crown surmount, maker’s mark ‘WJF’ for William J Fraser, stamped ‘9ct’, in fitted pink leather maker’s case, the silk lining signed ‘By Appointment William J Fraser Jeweller & Silversmith to H. M. The King, Ballater’, accompanied by a handwritten note, brooch length 38mm. £400-£600

The handwritten note reads: ‘Alison, this brooch was given to Granny by her dear sister May - I have taken great care of it and I do hope you will, as it was given to Auntie May by Queen Mary & King George Vth in 1937, at Althorp, the home of Earl Spencer where she was housekeeper, take care of it, With all Grannie’s love - God Bless you my Darling’.


Queen Mary visited Althorp in December 1937, as reported in the Northampton Mercury, 31 December 1937.