Jewel by Ruprecht Miller for Karl IX's Eriksgata in 1609. Intended to be worn. A high class Swedish vasatida goldsmith's work in gilt, ciselated and post-worked silver. There is extremely little early Swedish goldsmithing art originating in the royal court in private possession.
The obverse bears the portrait of Karl IX, the obverse shows the sons Gustav Adolf and Carl Filip. The jewel bears one of the finest portraits of Charles IX, the earliest extant portrait of Gustav II Adolf and one of the few extant portraits of Carl Philip.
Diameter 4,5 cm, height incl. loop 5,5 cm, weight 27,9 grams.
Other:
One of the classic objects of Swedish numismatics and a great rarity. It is missing from many public collections. This specimen was included in the Bondisk collection at Ericsberg as one of the central objects, and is likely the only one in private possession. The specimen was described as early as 1874 by B E Hildebrand as belonging to the Ericsberg Collection. Probably, however, the jewel has always been in the possession of the Bonde family, Carl Filipsson Bonde (1581-1652) belonged to the inner circle of both Charles IX and Gustav II Adolf, he became a chamber servant to Duke Karl in 1595 and a chamberlain to Gustav Adolf in 1601. That may explain the exquisite condition of the jewel.
Neither Hildebrand (1874) nor Delzanno (2024) note any other specimen with preserved original eyelet.
Carl Filipson Bonde (1581-1652) friar, riksråd, etc. Children of Duke Charles's Counsel and Marshal Filip Bonde and Karin Ulfsdotter Snakenborg. He became chamberlain to Duke Charles in 1595 and chamberlain to Gustav Adolf in 1601.
Carl Bonde was knowledgeable in mountain management and held several important posts close to royal power during his career. He was the brother-in-law of Axel Oxenstierna and had his own house on Riddarholmen.
Carl Bonde spoke of himself as the king's eldest servant, who had received Gustav Adolf when he came from Amman, and often carried him on his arms.
Literature:
Hildebrand, B E: Commemorative coins of Sweden and the Swedish royal houses magnificent coins and reward medals. Part I. Stockholm 1874. Hild. 20, page 92. The jewel of the auction is mentioned in the text. Peasant's copy with notes on the collection is included.
With hammer and torch XL, published by Sancte Örjens Gille in 2008. Included.
Iconographia Gustavi Adolphi, Gustav II Adolf/Contemporary Portrait, published by Sixten Strömbom, Stockholm 1932.
Catalogue, Coin auction for the Bonde Collection at Ericsberg. Part 5. Page 39, No. 228, sold for 120,000 kr. Also depicted in magnification on page 3, mentioned on page 8, 4th paragraph. About Ericsberg and the collection, see pages 4-6.
Swedish Royal Medals Part I. Gustav Vasa - Ulrika Eleonora d.ä. (Charles XI) 1521-1697. 1st edition 2024. Published by Roberto Delzanno. Picture pages 236-237, the jewel of the auction is pictured here.
