Victorian Gold Celtic Cross Pendant, Dated 1880

A Victorian Celtic high cross pendant dated 25th February 1880, with hand-engraved Celtic interlace knotwork to the front and a personal inscription to the reverse. The pendant weighs 11.55 grams and comes in what appears to be its original fitted blue velvet case.
The front features five distinct panels of Celtic knotwork, each with a different interlace pattern, framed by a raised border. The circular ring connecting the arms of the cross carries a chevron or herringbone engraved pattern. The quality of the hand engraving throughout is excellent, with clean, confident lines and well-defined interlace that would have required considerable skill to execute.
The reverse is inscribed in a decorative blackletter script: "Mabel Kathleen Dorcas Woods from her God Mother AND God Father E.E. & A.W. 25th Feby 1880." This is a christening or baptism gift with a clear date and recipient, giving the piece documented personal provenance that is increasingly rare to find intact. The style of the lettering and the decorative flourishes are consistent with high-quality Victorian engraving.
The Celtic Revival was in full swing by 1880, driven by a renewed interest in early Irish art and manuscript traditions. Pieces like this represent that movement at its most personal, combining ancient design vocabulary with the Victorian tradition of commemorative jewellery.