William Essex Victorian Painted Porcelain Gold Terrier Dog Brooch of "Essex Crystal" Fame

Description: An interesting little brooch - If you're into antique jewellery, you may have heard of "Essex crystals" (we have some in the shop). These were and are mis-named because William Essex, (a prominent royal animal portraitist patronised by Queen Victoria) somehow erroneously had these attributed to him and it has stuck like glue! Actual "Essex crystals" (reverse carved and painted 3D effect rock crystals) were mostly made in Belgium and they are confusingly usually called "English crystals" in parts of Europe today.

Anyway! This is an actual work by William Essex and its signed on the back to prove it! It has nothing to do with the reverse carved painted intaglio types and is enamel fired onto (probably) copper in a gold frame. Essex crystals are rare but you can find them, this is the only one of these we've ever seen. You could have some fun finding out if the dog belonged to anyone fancy (and who therefore commissioned this brooch) but he's a cheeky wee fellow with his tongue out regardless!   

Age: c1864 signed, Victorian 

Size and weight: 2cm across. 4g

Materials: Hand painted porcelain, gold frame, base metal pin 

Condition: Excellent

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