Antique Victorian Essex crystal Reverse carved intaglio Dalmation dog Gold (7580)

Antique Victorian brooch pin tie or scarf pin. 14k gold, platinum, rock crystal, paint.  Made in Essex, Great Britain, 19th century, circa 1870's.
Suitable for a man or a woman - unisex.  
 

Measurements:

Weight is 4.1 grams. A little under 2 3/4 inches (7cm) long. 

Description :

Oval half globe of rock crystal. The Dalmation is carved and painted from the back and then closed with a layer of gold. The dalmation is wonderfully depicted with clear spots, raised eyes, black ears and cute nose. The dog wears a red collar with gold studs. Very fine detail - we even see some of the hairs on his chest as well as the individual hairs of his ears. Long gold pin for securing a cravat, tie, scarf or simply to show off a dog you love on your lapel.  
This is a particularly lovely example with great workmanship, fine detail and great quality.
Mount is gold, including original pin. Rim on top is platinum.

Marks and Metal:

Side of pin is hallmarked 14k with another small mark next to it.  The 2nd mark is unclear - could be a letter or a bird with outstretched wings.  We tested the metal electronically and the white metal ringing the border of the front of the sphere is platinum. Platinum tested 78-80%.
     

Condition:

Good with negligible wear commensurate with age. It is quite unusual to find stickpins with their original pin. Minor dirt in join of metal can easily be wiped clean by the new owner.  Please see enlarged pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions which we will do our best to answer.   

THE STORY:

During the 19th century, reverse painted rock crystal was 'invented' in Belgium, but very soon the English in Essex perfected and specialised in this field, to the extent that we often call these small works of art 'Essex crystals'. It is interesting to see what breeds existed and were loved during the 19th century - for example, bulldogs were very popular. It is rare to find a Dalmation thus represented. We are especially lucky that he/she is in such good condition.