A late 19th century replica of the `Alfred Jewel` in silver-gilt; the upper face a polychrome...

A late 19th century replica of the `Alfred Jewel` in silver-gilt; the upper face a polychrome enamelled image of a standing male with a rock crystal cover; the edge of the cell with the text `+AELFRED MEC HEH GEWYRCAN` (Alfred ordered me to be made) with pelletted border above, textured band below; the finial a beast-head with socket emerging from the mouth, with pelletted rim and attachment pin; to the reverse an incised acanthus motif and two suspension rings, 52g, 63 mm (2 1/2")

This piece is one of a number of replicas of the Alfred Jewel (original jewel in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford) produced during the reign of Queen Victoria, commissioned and distributed by Elliot Stock, a London bookseller and publisher. They were made in silver-gilt (with a few in gold) and were on sale until circa 1903. The Victoria and Albert Museum bought at least three examples to be used by art students for drawing practice. J. Charles Wall wrote in 1900 that 'in commemoration of the millenary of Alfred, Mr. Elliot Stock has reproduced this jewel so that it may be better known than hitherto, and by it to recall the Christian labours of that king'.