Antique Victorian tie cravat or scarf pin brooch. 18k gold, silver, enamel. Made in France circa 1880-1900.
Measurements:
Weight is 3.8 grams. Total length is a little under 3 1/2 inches (8.5cm).
Description :
A wonderful novelty pin to hold you tie or scarf in place or simply to pin on your lapel. During the late 19th century, the Victorians had a great sense of humour and whimsy and created wonderful figural jewelry, especially in the form of scarf/tie/cravat pins. In particular, Vever illustrates a number of such pins designed by Louis Rault for Boucheron eg page 899. (ours does not have a known maker). The pin is in the form of a nail or possibly a lamp with a jockey embracing it near the top. The jockey is wonderfully modelled with his arms and legs hugging and twining around the nail/lamp. He is wearing black boots with broad gold turnovers, jodhpurs of silver and a striped enamel and silver jacket. The body in yellow and sleeves in red. His jockey's cap is striped in silver and blue. Fine details to his face. Perhaps the figure lampoons and commemorates a particular event or person from the 19th century, but we will probably never know. It is clearly an amusing and beautifully made piece of jewelry, made to perform a function, as well as a great sense of humour. Great conversation piece. Suitable for a man or a woman.
Marks and Metal:
Eagle head for 18k gold, made in France.
Condition:
Good with wear to enamel commensurate with age. Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.
