Mourning Brooch with Washington Tassie Bust, c. 1800. Lady's brooch with crystal clear paste stones encircling a white agate Tassie bust of Washington against a black silver onyx background, under glass, 1½ x 1¼".
James Tassie (1735-1799) was a Scottish gem engraver and modeler known for reproductions of engraved gems and for portrait medallions made from a hard, fine-textured substance that he developed with a physician, Henry Quin.
Martha Washington purchased this ring and other mourning jewelry from jewelers such as Joseph Anthony, Jr. (1762-1814), a Philadelphia jeweler, silversmith, and goldsmith. The Washington household account books show that Mrs. Washington made numerous purchases from him. As well as mourning rings and lockets, Anthony made mounted miniatures. This brooch, and the ring in the preceding lot, were some of the mourning jewelry given by Mrs. Washington to family members after Washington's death. Excellent conditiion.
Provenance:Custis Estate
Descended to William Lanier Washington
Joseph E. Fields, II
Hendershott Museum Consultants
Claude Harkins.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 12,000.
The Claude Harkins Collection of Washingtonia
