A Regency historic gold brooch. The centre section set with a Pearl

A Regency historic gold brooch. The centre section set with a Pearl, Emerald, Amethyst, Chrysolite and Emerald (PEACE). With foliate decoration surmounted with a flue-de-lys and suspending a stylised order. The reverse engraved 'Watier's 1 July 1814'. 3.2cm wide. In 1814, the Duke of Wellington's victories over Napoleon forced his abdication and exile to Elba. The Peace of Paris was prematurely and somewhat ironically declared. (The Battle of Waterloo was fought the following year). John Watier was a favourite chef of the Prince Regent and ran a famous restaurant and gaming club. Watier was chosen to organise the famous masked ball held at Burlington House (now the Royal Academy building) on July 1st, 1814. Lady Caroline Lamb was one of the many famous guests to have attended and the evening did not proceed without incident. This brooch would have probably been presented to one of the lady guests to celebrate the occasion. ¦For a similar brooch, see lot 1553 sold at Woolley and Wallis on 25th April 2007.