This pin has a 15ct setting and a stronger 9ct gold pin which was often the case with quality pins.

Signed to the verso by W.B Ford ~ William Bishop Ford, who was a well renowned enamel painter known for his miniatures of dogs and horses.

The fineness and detail in this expressive little face is divine.

Ford was born in London in 1832 and studied under the famous miniaturist William Essex and generally signed his pieces W.B Ford or W.Ford.

He painted on a range of materials including porcelain, like this piece in 1873 at 40, and also copper, gold and ivory.

He exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1854 to 1895 and was appointed an enamel painter to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. So this little work of art has great provenance.

Metal: Setting tests 15ct Pin 9ct 
Overall 8.5cm

head:2.8cm round

Weight: 5.6grm

Inscription: W.B Ford 1873

NGP11