Jewellery, Watches and Objects of Vertu

A gold and enamelled serpent bracelet, mid 19th century, the body composed throughout of graduating articulated links each decorated with blue enamel, the head applied with an opal and rose-cut diamond cluster and with cabochon ruby eyes, contained in fitted case, the underside bearing a handwritten label, reading: ‘Belonged to Grandmama Aberdare, given her by Sir Charles Napier, (Norah Creine Napier) given me at my wedding by Aunt Alice Bruce. To go back to England’, length 21cm. £3,000-£5,000

According to the note of provenance attached to the case, Sir Charles Napier (1782-1853) had given the bracelet to 'Grandmama Aberdare'. It had then passed down through the family to Alice Bruce, an aunt of the ultimate recipient, who had written the history on this note, as a wedding gift.
‘Grandmama Aberdare’ was Lady Nora Creina Blanche Bruce (1827-97), second wife of the 1st Baron Aberdare (1815-95), who became Lord President of the Council and Home Secretary under Gladstone, and the daughter of Sir William Napier (1785-1860), the younger brother of Sir Charles. Both brothers fought in the Peninsular War, and both later rose to the rank of General.

While William wrote a definitive history of the Peninsular War, Charles pursued a military career: in 1839 he was given command in Northern England to control the Chartist agitation, and is remembered for his sensitive handling of the unrest due to the hardships experienced by the labouring classes in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, thereby averting conflict. He spent time in India (1841-44) involved in the controversial annexation of the native states of Sind into the British Empire for which he received a Knighthood.

Alice Bruce (1867-1951) was the youngest daughter of the Lord and Lady Aberdare, and granddaughter of Sir William Napier. A celebrated educationalist and administrator, she served as President of Aberdare Hall in Cardiff.

Then by direct family descent to the vendor.