American School (Late 18th Century), 12K Gold Cased Mourning Locket and Hair Brooch

The memorial locket possibly by Samuel Folwell (American, 1765-1813), rendered in watercolor and chopped hair on natural wafer, unsigned, depicting a mother with two children grieving next to an urn memorial monument against a blue and white cloud filled sky inscribed on plinth "IN / MEMORY / of / B D," presented behind glass within an oval gold locket, engraved en verso "B. Davis born Nov. / 27. 1757. and abt. July / 23 1802 aged 45 yrs. / 4 mos. 4 Ds." (2 1/8" x 1 11/16"). Together with an oval brooch pin with mourning hair floral design, unknown artist, set behind glass within a gold bezel with beaded trim (1" x 1.25"). Gold cases are unmarked, XRF testing 12K.

.90 total gross troy oz.

Purchased at Leland Little Auctions, June 13th, 2009, Two-Day Historic Hillsborough Auction, Lot 431. The Lot noted as being acquired from a South Carolina Estate by descent.

For similar examples, see Robin Jaffee Frank, Love and Loss: American Portrait and Mourning Miniatures, pages 109-153, figures 58, 63, 75.

Some minor scratches to cases and a few small dents; overall good condition.