Mid-Victorian Musical Fob Pendant
Mid-Victorian Musical Fob Pendant
$4,250.00
Description
DATE: Victorian, c.1860
An enchanting 19th century musical fob pendant dating from the 1860s. The bail at the top connects to a miniature music box housed within the main body of the fob, and a small switch on the side starts and stops the tune. It's crafted in 18 karat gold and stamped with a confusing combination of hallmarks, confusing mainly on account of them being partially struck. Here's what I can tell: there's a French double owl import mark indicating all components - the bail and the body - are 18 karat gold or higher, and that it was imported for sale in France sometime after 1893. The opposite side of the bail has two partially struck marks which look Russian, a maker's mark and half a fineness mark. My reading of these marks: it was made in Russia during the mid 19th century, originally fitted with a Swiss-made music box (they mostly were Swiss) and made its way to France - in the wake of the Russian revolution - where it was eventually assayed and retailed. The music box inside is clearly a later replacement based on the tune and the construction, the original was likely damaged beyond repair. The current song was recorded by Perry Como two days after Pearl Harbor, and it was a big hit- "Deep in the Heart of Texas".
MEASUREMENTS
3.4 x 2.8 x 2.3cm (including bail)
WEIGHT
22.5g
MARKS
French double owl import marks
Part-struck Russian fineness and maker's mark
CONDITION
Good, some minor cosmetic wear to the case: dings/denting to the base and the frame is bent slightly to one side. The miniature music box is a later replacement.
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