Antique brooch pendant gold Essex Crystal Reverse intaglio bulldog bullwhip(7570)

Antique Victorian brooch pendant. 14k Gold and crystal polychrome. Made in Great Britain, circa 1870-80's.
Unisex - suitable for a man or a woman. 
 

Measurements:

Weight is 18.7 grams. 1 1/2 inches from top to bottom (4cm). Diameter, including gold mount is slightly over an inch and the crystal is a little under an inch in diameter. 

Description :

 Large Essex crystal in an outstanding gold mount. The mount in the form of a bullwhip that winds around the gold circumference of the crystal and then folds over and about itself. Realistically modelled, it tapers as it swirls and curls towards the tailend while the other side shows the sturdy handle.
 
The carved and painted crystal depiction of a bulldog is outstanding.  While many dogs of lesser size are found in Essex crystals, rarely do they have this detail and depth. This bulldog has personality and character - it looks lovingly at the viewer, the little bottom teeth showing in the gap above his jowly jaw. Eyes turned up to melt the heart. Furrowed brow and little floppy ears, typical of the breed. Broad, golden brown collar. A gorgeous dog. 

To wear as a pendant, there is an unusual and very clever bale/loop to hang the jewel from a chain. The back is a broad and secure half circle, joined by a hinge to a catch that clicks onto a 'button' on it's lower side. (see 'photos).   
To wear as a brooch, the back has a pin with hinge and c-clasp. The hinged body and c look original, but the pin appears to be a replacement. 

Marks and Metal:

an engraved star and 14k are hidden at the back in the folds of the bullwhip-gold-mount. 
     

Condition:

Good with negligible wear commensurate with age.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

Known by multiple names - Reverse crystal intaglio, Reverse carved intaglio or Essex crystal. A cabochon half sphere of rock crystal was carved from the back. Dogs and other domestic animals were popular subjects, but birds and flowers sometimes feature as well. After realistically carving the animal, the artist would paint it for further realism. The amazing part of this form of sculpture is that it was done 'back to front' as the carving was done from the back, while the viewer would see it from the front and the artist had to take the round curve of the crystal into account. 
While the technique originated in Belgium, it very soon was established in Britain, most famously in Essex, from whence the most commonly used name. 
This is an exceptional example, both from a number of perspectives: the size is larger than most Reverse carved crystals; the quality of the carving is superior to most Reverse carved crystals; the mount is fantastic and superior to most Reverse carved crystals. It is versatile - can be worn as both a brooch and a pendant, by man or woman. A must for any dog lover, but especially for the Bulldog fan. And this is a gorgeous bulldog. 

NOTE:

gold chain in some pictures is not included with the item.
Thanks to JL who explained about the bullwhip, which I thought was a snake.