Model of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond and Two Other Diamonds

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Model of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond and Two Other Diamonds

Artist Apsley Pellatt IV (English | British, 1791 - 1863)

Factory/Foundry Falcon Glassworks

Manufacturer Apsley Pellatt , ca. 1790-1875 (English | British)

Date1851

Dimensions(Diamond A) L: 1 11/16 in. (42.18 mm); W: 1 1/4 in. (31.03 mm); H: 3/4 in. (118.73 mm);
(Diamond B) L: 15/16 in. (23.92 mm); W: 3/4 in. (18.62 mm); H: 3/8 in. (9.63 mm);
(Diamond C) L: 7/8 in. (21.97 mm); W: 5/8 in. (16.13 mm); H: 3/8 in. (9.90 mm);
(Case) L: 1 13/16 in. (115.13 mm); W: 1/4 in. (16.13 mm); H: 9/16 in. (35.27 mm)

MediumMold-cast lead glass; cut, and polished.

ClassificationGlass

Credit LinePurchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

2006.171A-D

Not on View

DescriptionReplica of the Koh-i-Noor Diamond and two other diamonds in fitted case. The large faceted stone together with two smaller stones possibly in imitation of the Cullinan 1 and 2 diamonds

Label TextThe most famous diamond in the 19th century and one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, the Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light) of India was ceded by force to the British Empire in 1849 and presented to Queen Victoria with two associated diamonds the following year. A symbol of British colonial power, Victoria placed it on view at the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition in London (the first World’s Fair). Glasshouse owner Apsley Pellatt challenged his craftsmen to produce a glass copy of the Koh-i-Noor that would rival the original. The firm displayed this remarkably flawless glass model at the World’s Fair to great acclaim.Published ReferencesTarshis, D.K., "The Koh-i-Noor Diamond and Its Glass Replica at the Crystal Palace Exhibition," Journal of Glass Studies, vol. 42, 2000, pp. 133-143.Comparative ReferencesSee also Crystal Palace Exhibition, London, 1851.