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Rare Channel Islands miniature…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
24-Mar-2024
Lot No.
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Description:
Rare Channel Islands miniature portrait of the jersey silversmith, John Le Gallais, hand-painted on ivory, signed at left 'H. Bertian 1838' and mounted in yellow gold as a brooch. The reverse adorned with mourning window containing four locks of his childrens hair, all individually initialled in gold, housed in original red leather plush fitted box branded 'J. Le Gallais late de Gruchy. Goldsmith and Jeweller, 2 Brook Street Jersey'. Accompanied by a photogravure portrait brooch of his wife, Eliza Le Gallais, also mounted in gold. With a hand-written note 'Eliza Le Gallais (nee Le Ballie) (my great grandmother), wife of John Le Gallais'. 5.5 cm and 4.5 cm high. John Le Gallais, goldsmith, jeweller, watch and clockmaker, is first recorded in partnership with Thomas de Gruchy in 1831, and had perhaps been his apprentice. He acquired de Gruchy's share of the business on his death in 1846, and continued with it until 1874 when he sold out to Holinshed. A prolific maker of spoons and overmarker of those made by others, his best known product is a medallion struck to commemorate the Royal visit of 1846. Other members of his family are found in banking 1817-1846, William George Le Gallais trading as the jersey bank 1843-1846. His work is well represented in the Gregg collection.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Precious Objects: Miniatures & Silhouettes