Queen Victoria jewellery at auction

A jewellery lot designed by Queen Victoria to commemorate Mr Brown is to appear at a Scottish auction

Auction House Bonham's annual Scottish sale on August 18 - 21, 2009 includes a fine jewellery section.

One of the more interesting pieces is a memorial stickpin in honour of her great friend John Brown.

The stickpin was designed by Queen Victoria in 1883, following Brown's death, for presentation to her Highland servant, to be worn on the anniversary of Brown's death.

The relationship between The Queen and Mr Brown, who worked as a Highland servant at her Balmoral estate, was documented in the 1997 Hollywood film 'Mrs Brown' starring Judi Dench, which was nominated for two Oscars.

Following his death Queen Victoria wrote that she "was sorely stricken."

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