Y A 19th-century coral brooch modelled as a shell set with five rows of graduated coral beads, engraved to reverse Christina Rutherford from the Duchess Dowr Athole May 1871, unmarked

(Width: 3.3cm)

Anne Murray, Duchess of Atholl (1814 - 1897), was wife to George Murray, 6th Duke of Atholl and a close friend and Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Victoria between 1854-1897. It is believed that the Duchess was the first person Queen Victoria spoke to following the death of Prince Albert, leaving the bedroom where he had died and proclaiming 'Oh, Duchess, he is dead!'. The Duke & Duchess preferred the spelling Athole for their title and residence, hence the irregular spelling to the reverse of this brooch. Note: Please be aware that this lot contains material which may be subject to import/export restrictions, especially outside Great Britain, due to CITES regulations. Please note it is the buyer's sole responsibility to obtain any relevant export or import licence. For more information visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/ahvla-en/imports-exports/cites/