Queen Victoria pendant from Osborne House

A rare pendant gifted by Queen Victoria to a housekeepers at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight could command up to £5,000 in Derbyshire.

The agate and gold mourning locket contains a sepia side profile photograph of John Brown, Queen Victoria’s favourite servant and confidant. The mount is engraved with the monogram ‘JB’ and ‘In recollection of 27th March 1883 from V.R.I.’ It comes complete with its fitted case bearing the insignia ‘Collingwood & Co, Goldsmiths & Jewellers to the Royal Family.’

The locket belonged to Elizabeth Smith, who was employed by Queen Victoria as a housekeeper at Osbourne House, on the Isle of Wight, for 33 years. The seller of the locket is a descendent of Elizabeth Smith herself and the auction lot includes a letter from Windsor Castle, confirming Elizabeth’s employment in the Royal household as well as highlighting a payment which was made to Collingwoods in 1883 for presents in memory of John Brown.

The pendant will feature in Irita Marriott Auctioneers and Valuers’ two-day Antiques and Collectors auction on June 18-19 with an estimate of £3,000-5,000.

Irita Marriott said: “The fact that this locket contains a photograph of John Brown shows just what a special, personal item this was when it was presented to Elizabeth Smith by Queen Victoria. What makes it even more standout is the fact that it has been passed down through Elizabeth’s family, so we have all the provenance to go with it. It’s set to be the jewel in the crown of our June auction!”