3/4″W x 1″H intaglio x 2″H including hanger. Exceptional craftsmanship suggests a prestigious jewelry house. The Massachusetts Historical Society holds a motto intaglio in a very similar setting, which is identified as Boston’s Jones, Ball & Poor c.1848. That piece was sent by First Lady Louisa Catherine to Massachusetts Speaker of the House Robert Charles Winthrop as a personal memorial after John Quincy Adam’s death. Winthrop saw to the President when he collapsed on the House floor & remained at his deathbed. Given the similarities to the work seen here, exhaustive research into any family ties to this piece would be a worthy pursuit. Trivial scuffing to stone & seam to the hanging loop. Includes mounted wax example which displays the intricacy of detail. Exc. Rex & Patti Stark Collection.
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