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Lot 220 PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION, USA
Marion Delmé-Radcliffe (b. 1870) was a descendent of George, Duke of Clarence, K.G., brother of King Edward IV. In 1897, she married Baron Reinhold von Ungern-Sternberg (b. 1860), Master of the Household and Chamberlain to the Grand Duke of Hesse in Darmstadt. Known as 'Pollie', the Baroness was a close personal friend of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (née Alix of Hesse and by Rhine), who was the daughter of Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and born in Darmstadt. The mutual connection with Darmstadt formed the foundation of a life-long friendship between Pollie and Alix. Their relationship was chronicled in personal letters spanning three decades that are preserved by the descendents of the Baroness. The following three lots, according to family tradition, were gifts to the Baroness from Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.
Marion Delmé-Radcliffe (b. 1870) was a descendent of George, Duke of Clarence, K.G., brother of King Edward IV. In 1897, she married Baron Reinhold von Ungern-Sternberg (b. 1860), Master of the Household and Chamberlain to the Grand Duke of Hesse in Darmstadt. Known as 'Pollie', the Baroness was a close personal friend of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (née Alix of Hesse and by Rhine), who was the daughter of Louis IV, Grand Duke of Hesse and born in Darmstadt. The mutual connection with Darmstadt formed the foundation of a life-long friendship between Pollie and Alix. Their relationship was chronicled in personal letters spanning three decades that are preserved by the descendents of the Baroness. The following three lots, according to family tradition, were gifts to the Baroness from Empress Alexandra Feodorovna.
A Jewelled Gold-Mounted Guilloché Enamel Brooch
BY FABERGÉ, ST PETERSBURG, CIRCA 1898
Closed29 November 2010
Price Realised
GBP 32,450
More Information
Specialist note
Early summer of 1898 found Baroness Ungern-Sternberg expecting the birth of her first child. With her dear friend very much on her mind, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, residing at Peterhof, sat down to write to Pollie. In a letter composed on her personal stationery and dated 16/28 June 1898, the Empress writes:
I must send you a few lines to tell you how much my thoughts and prayers will surround you next month. God bless & protect you, Darling, & may you not suffer too much-tho one willingly suffers, so as to have the intense joy of holding one's own precious Baby in one's arms. I have worked a quilt for you to cover the tiny little Being with-the brooch is for you as a wee remembrance of a dear friend.
On 7 July 1898, Pollie gave birth to a daughter, Alix Louisa Emilia Marion Hedwig von Ungern-Sternberg. The baby girl was named Alix after the Empress, who became her godmother. The present brooch, mentioned in the letter along with a quilt for the baby, was a thoughtful gift from the Empress to her dear friend. The choice of lily-of-the-valley, said to be Alexandra Feodorovna's favourite flower, makes the gift all the more personal and touching.
I must send you a few lines to tell you how much my thoughts and prayers will surround you next month. God bless & protect you, Darling, & may you not suffer too much-tho one willingly suffers, so as to have the intense joy of holding one's own precious Baby in one's arms. I have worked a quilt for you to cover the tiny little Being with-the brooch is for you as a wee remembrance of a dear friend.
On 7 July 1898, Pollie gave birth to a daughter, Alix Louisa Emilia Marion Hedwig von Ungern-Sternberg. The baby girl was named Alix after the Empress, who became her godmother. The present brooch, mentioned in the letter along with a quilt for the baby, was a thoughtful gift from the Empress to her dear friend. The choice of lily-of-the-valley, said to be Alexandra Feodorovna's favourite flower, makes the gift all the more personal and touching.