DATE: 18th Century, c.1714

This extraordinary Stuart Crystal slide was made at the very beginning of the Georgian era, in 1714. It carries a double dedication to the reverse: for "WC Obt. 24 Dec: 1714" and "MC Obt. 6 Mar: 1717". It is likely that the piece was commissioned in 1714, to commemorate the death of WC, with the second dedication added later. The slide would have been worn on a black ribbon, around the wrist or the neck.

Under the crystal is a skeletal Grim Reaper, with hourglass in one hand and scythe in the other. The backdrop is woven hair, with a fine gold thread providing a horizon line and further looped gold thread around the border. It's modelled in 22k gold, and remains in remarkably good condition.

STONES

Stuart Crystal (Rock crystal)

MEASUREMENTS

20.2 x 16.9mm

WEIGHT

4.2g

MARKS

No marks present, tests as 22k gold

CONDITION

Very good, some wear to the crystal