Silver pocket photograph frame, maker's mark of W.R.Wright for Wright & Davis, circa 1898

The rectangular case engraved 'From Great Grandmama V.R.I. 24th May 1899', applied with an entwined gold 80,  the slide-action cover concealing an oval photograph of Queen Victoria seated, measuring approximately 75 x 50 x 5mm, British hallmark.

Sotheby's, The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor, Geneva, Friday 3rd April 1987, Lot 191.

Stamped with British hallmarks. Inscribed 'From Great Grandmama V.R.I. 24th May 1899'. Some abrasions and tarnish to metal consistent with age and use. In good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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. Prospective buyers should also refer to refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones and to the Notice regarding import of Burmese jadeite and rubies into the US.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

It seems the Edward had a warm relationship with Queen Victoria, whom he affectionately called ‘Gangan’. However at about the time this photograph was taken, Edward as a young boy and his brother Albert were summoned to see their great grandmother, an event that must have been fairly daunting for a boy of about four or five who promptly burst into tears upon seeing the seemingly intimidating regal figure, dressed all in black.

Queen Victoria is photographed dressed in black which she wore for the remainder of her life after the death of her husband, Prince Albert. This present was gifted just under two years before her death in January, 1901, when Edward was 4 years old and on the occasion of her 80th birthday.

In 1897, Victoria had written instructions for her funeral, which was to be military as befitting a soldier's daughter and the head of the army. On 25 January, Edward VII, the Kaiser and Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, helped lift her into the coffin.She was dressed in a white dress with her wedding veil. Mementos commemorating her extended family, friends and servants were laid in the coffin with her, at her request, by her doctor and dressers. One of Albert's dressing gowns was placed by her side, with a plaster cast of his hand, while a lock of John Brown's hair, along with a picture of him, were placed in her left hand concealed from the view of the family by a carefully positioned bunch of flowers. Items of jewellery placed on Victoria included the wedding ring of John Brown's mother, given to her by Brown in 1883. Her funeral was held on Saturday, 2 February, in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, and after two days of lying-in-state, she was interred beside Prince Albert in the Royal Mausoleum at Windsor Home Park.

With a reign of 63 years, seven months and two days, Victoria is the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning queen in world history. She was the last monarch of Britain from the House of Hanover. Her son and heir Edward VII belonged to her husband's House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.