Artifact from Queen Victorias Diamond Jubilee

[UnderMiner]

Artifact from Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee

Found this curious little 2.5 inch tall plaster bust of Queen Victoria in the trash today from the contents of a very old house that was tossing out everything.
At first I thought it was just a worthless trinket but after some research I discovered it may be worth something significant.
On the back it reads, "Original in possession of the Queen - R. Belt Sc - 1897 - Made In Germany.
I believe this is a miniature copy of a bust made for Queen Victoria on her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
Can anyone confirm? If this is indeed a Victorian-age artifact from 1897 it will really make my day!

Edit 6/4/2015: Just confirmed this to be an original souvenir piece from Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
It is not made of plaster as I thought earlier but a much higher quality material called Bisque Porcelain.
These were made as souvenirs for sale during the festivities of Queen Victoria's jubilee.
According to my research they are highly sought by collectors as over the years most have been lost or broken.
It's a miracle the miniature bust has survived as it is just a piece of hollow porcelain.
It survived 118 years on a trip that brought it from its manufacture in Germany, to its sale in England, to its trip to the USA, and then its sad toss into a dumpster.
So happy to have saved it! Since I love anything having to do with Queen Victoria this will now become a centerpiece in my "everything Victorian" collection.


Can't wait to see if that house tossed out anymore cool things, will check it out tomorrow.

 

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[Argentium]

Yeah - I think you might be right 1837- 1897 - good save man !

 

[sutphin]

UM, thats a really neat find,vanzutphen

 

[OBN]

I would get a couple opinions from the pro's, could be a nice chunk of cash..

 

[I-DIG-IT]

Nice find, I don't think it's plaster, there would be hardly nothing left of it after 100 + years. Maybe porcelain. Nice save.

 

[bdsawyer]

I found a few examples, it appears they are made of bisque and were souvenir pieces. Both of the ones I saw had 5" or so black stands so I do believe the stand on yours is missing. Cool find

 

[UnderMiner]

Nice find, I don't think it's plaster, there would be hardly nothing left of it after 100 + years. Maybe porcelain. Nice save.

You're right it is porcelain, specifically unglazed Bisque porcelain. I've just confirmed it is indeed from 1897.
These were made as souvenirs for sale during the festivities of Queen Victoria's jubilee. According to my research they are highly sought by collectors as over the years many have been lost or broken.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

You saved the Queen! Nice! Get back there and look for more saves!

 

[UnderMiner]

I found a few examples, it appears they are made of bisque and were souvenir pieces. Both of the ones I saw had 5" or so black stands so I do believe the stand on yours is missing. Cool find

Yes, this is the case exactly! Thanks for the info!

 

[UnderMiner]

You saved the Queen! Nice! Get back there and look for more saves!

I actually just returned from the house and you won't believe what I found! I'll post it all a bit later.

 

[deershed]

Great save, hard to believe that thing is still I one piece.