Victorian Essex Crystal Reverse Intaglio Dachshund Portrait Brooch in Gothic Revival Gold Frame

An exceptional and museum-quality Victorian Essex crystal brooch, centred on a masterfully executed reverse intaglio portrait of a dachshund in profile, wearing a red collar with a gold ring — the image hand-carved and hand-painted into the underside of a domed rock crystal cabochon with extraordinary finesse. The dog's warm tan and black colouring, the softness of the ear, the glint of the eye — every detail rendered with the confidence and intimacy of a miniature portrait, the crystal lending the image its characteristic luminous depth.

The brooch is set within a magnificent Gothic Revival openwork gold frame of substantial scale, the quatrefoil and fleur-de-lys motifs engraved throughout and interspersed with polished ball details — a frame that would be a significant piece of jewellery in its own right. At 47.5mm across and 31.9g this is a brooch of real presence, commanding rather than delicate, and it retains its original shaped leather fitted case lined in deep blue silk and velvet — a rare survival that speaks to the care with which this piece has been kept. A truly outstanding example of one of the most beloved forms of Victorian sentimental jewellery.

Details

• Era: Victorian, circa 1860s–1880s
• Metal: Gold (high carat, unmarked)
• Crystal: Reverse intaglio hand-carved and painted rock crystal
• Subject: Dachshund portrait with red collar
• Frame: Gothic Revival openwork with quatrefoil and fleur-de-lys motifs
• Dimensions: 47.5 x 47.5mm
• Weight: 31.9g
• Includes: Original fitted leather case
• Condition: Excellent antique condition