Antique Victorian stick, tie or lapel pin. Gold, carved hardstone head with small rubies. Made 19th century.
Provenance: from the personal collection of the late Barry Weber.
Measurements:
Weight is 7.7 grams. Approximately 3 inches (7.5cm) long.
Description :
A carved carnelian hardstone head of the Classic god Mars. The stone is typically a light brown-orange, but as we move the stone, it seems to light up from within, depending on the angle of the light source. Beautiful carving. The head is ensconsed in a protective helmet with chin strap - all in gold with fine detail such as scrolling decoration on the surface, 'hinges' to strap it closed and a peaked visor. The most astonishing part is the winged griffin perched on the top of the helmet. Naturalistically modelled in great detail, with tiny ruby eyes. Fabulous snaking, scaly tail. Minute scales over his body and feathers on the wings. Ears pressed back - as though he is either in flight or about to take off. Tiny, but absolutely gorgeous.
Marks and Metal:
No marks were found. Gold was professionally analysed electronically. Like most antique gold jewelry, the gold is not homogenous. Gold of helmet tested 17.4 - 17.8k. Pin low gold.
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:
Despite their dour reputation, the Victorians had a great sense of humour and imagination and made beautiful jewelry that also makes us smile. They excelled in making novelites - unusual items that piqued our curiosity and could be discussed with friends and colleagues in their social gatherings, clubs and outings. Most of all, they made exceptional stick or tie pins, that clearly formed grounds for great conversation: jockeys of the day; animals; religious symbols, various items that had symbolism and humour that we have entirely forgotten today. From the Georgian era onwards, Europeans were fascinated by the Classic civilisations such as Ancient Greece and others such as the Nordic and Asian worlds. We learned that the god depicted in this cameo is the Greek and Roman god of war, MARS, who was often depicted with a griffin (not a dragon) on his helmet. No less versatile today than it was over 150 years ago.
This pin came from the personal collection of Barry Weber. Barry's mother, Edith started an antique jewelry business that was well-known and highly regarded throughout the USA and abroad. Barry and his wife inherited her passion for jewelry and continued the tradition. Barry lectured around the country, in universities and colleges and appeared for many years as a specialist on the Antiques Road Show. With his gentle disposition, passion and knowledge, his death a number of years ago was a great loss to the antique jewelry community. Jewelry from the Webers was worn on red carpets by the stars of the 20th century.
This pin was a jewelry work of art that Barry chose for himself.
Carnelians (or cornelians as some say) were very popular with the Georgians, who valued them more than we do today. They made fabulous jewelry with these stones that are a great investment because they are under-appreciated.
