(ca. 1800) George Washington Memorial Brooch. Gold Oval Frame. Choice Extremely Fine.
24.4 mm x 19.6 mm. Gold oval frame encloses domed glass covering a black and white civil bust of Washington. The ornate gold case may be 10-karat gold and is missing its reverse pin. The engraved Washington print is of magnificent quality in its sharp, vivid detail and the original curved oval glass is intact and as issued in quality. The plain back shows light wear from actual use. This magnificent decorative, period piece may have been made for wear just after the first president's death in December 1799. Only a fairly wealthy person would have the means for such a costly memento. A splendid display item, a rarity of museum quality that is worthy of the finest of collections.
From our (Stack's) Philadelphia Americana Sale of September 2009, lot 6218, where it realized $1,610.

Estimate: $1000