An American two-color gold-mounted California gold quartz "bear" brooch and en suite gold and quartz-mounted cane, probably San Francisco, dated 1889

brooch in rose gold with mosaic of gold-quartz lozenges, capped by yellow gold bear head flanked by patinated gold claws, the back with inscription, the yellow gold cane handle chased with foliage and with gold quartz ovals at angle and terminal, engraved en suite, fitted to a cane

quartz piece below bear's head slightly raised, possibly re-set, otherwise good.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The brooch is engraved, "Mrs. Rhosena M. Hudson from H.O. Southworth, Stockton, Cal. Feb. 2d 1839 - Feb. 2d 1889."  The cane handle is engraved, "Wm H. Hudson. Feb 2d 1839 Feb. 2d 1889. From H.O. Southworth, Stockton, Cal."

Henry Oswald Southworth (b. 1834) was "of an old pioneer family of California," the son of General Mason D. Southworth.  He served as mayor of Stockton several times and helped found a local hospital for the mentally impaired.  He was one half of the dry goods firm Southworth & Grattan and married into his partner's family but the business failed about 1892.

Southworth's first wife was Charlotte Hudson, presumably a relation of William H. Hudson.  The dates suggest a golden wedding celebration, possibly Southworth's in-laws, but no exact match has been found.

A Rose M. Hudson (but not Rhosena) is recorded in Stockton at this time, but her husband is listed as A.D. Hudson, physician.  Stockton had a population of less than 15,000 in 1890, so pieces of this sophistication were almost certainly ordered in nearby San Francisco.