A rare archaeological revival gold Pharaoh brooch within original box, made by noted 19th century London goldsmith John Brogden, is expected to sell for up to £5,000 when it goes up for auction in November.
19/09/2014
A rare archaeological revival gold Pharaoh brooch within original box, made by noted 19th century London goldsmith John Brogden, is expected to sell for up to £5,000 when it goes up for auction in November.
The brooch, naturalistically modelled Pharaoh’s head bearing a textured nemes with raised hieroglyph decoration, has been consigned by an Australian couple to Halls’ auction of fine paintings, silver and jewellery in Shrewsbury on November 19
Brogden began his career as an apprentice to a London firm of watch and clockmakers in the 1830s and from 1842-‘64 he was a partner in the firm Watherston and Brogden, a goldsmiths based at 16, Henrietta Street Covent Garden.
In 1864, Brogden took over the business and operated under his own name for 16 years before working as an art goldsmith at the Grand Hotel Buildings in Charing Cross. He exhibited jewellery at the 1851 Great Exhibition and won various awards at exhibitions in Paris and London from the 1850s-‘70s.
Many of his designs were inspired by archaeological excavations in Syria and Egypt as well as being influenced by the work of the Italian jeweller Fortunato Pio Castellani. Examples of his work and designs can be found in collections in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, Halls’ silver and jewellery specialist, said she was delighted that the Australian vendors have chosen the company to sell the rare brooch, which had also been viewed by London auction houses.
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