Jewellery, Objects of Vertu, Silver and Watches

The Townswomen’s Guild 14ct gold Badge and Chain of Office by Leslie Durbin, 1969,

the Badge of Office composed of radiating bars of unequal length with cube terminals, some inset with single-cut diamond highlights, and centred with the initials ‘TG’ in red and green enamel with a diamond detail between, the reverse engraved to the centre ‘National Union of Townswomen’s Guilds’, with twin jump ring attachments to facilitate suspension from the chain, maker’s mark ‘LGD’, London hallmark, total diamond weight approximately 0.28 carat, diameter 5.1cm,

accompanied by

the Chain of Office, composed of fancy openwork links spaced by hollow cubes, terminating each end with a lobster clasp, the central cube bearing full hallmark and maker’s mark ‘LGD’, the remaining cubes all bearing partial hallmarks for 14ct gold, chain length 79.5cm, contained in fitted presentation case, silk signed ‘Leslie Durbin, London England’. £3,600-£4,600

The Townswomen’s Guild is one of the oldest women’s membership organisations in the UK. It was formed in 1929 by Margery Corbett Ashby and Eva Hubback, following the success of the previous year when the Representation of the People (Equal Franchise) Act of 1928 officially became law, with all women over 21 finally winning the right to vote. The movement was aimed at educating women about good citizenship, appealing particularly to urban women. Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has served as Patron of the organisation since 1983.


This Badge and Chain of Office was designed by Leslie Durbin for the National Chairman of the Townswomen’s Guild and worn for the first time in 1970.

Very good condition.
Light scuffling to the exterior of the case.
Gross weight of badge/brooch: 42..3gm.

Gross weight of chain 44.19gm.