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Antique Enamel Snake Mourning Stick Pin with Hair Locket, Inscribed 1852

About the Item

A stunning piece of antique early Victorian Mourning jewelry, this enameled Snake Stickpin is complete with its hair locket and original inscription on the reverse, with date of January 26, 1852. Crafted of solid 18K gold (the snake) with gold testing around 10K for the pin stem & presumably silver on the back of the locket, the Stickpin features a glass fronted hair locket nestled within a coiled Snake with wonderful original enamel work. The reverse of the locket retains its original engraving in memory of Thomas Pasley. (I’ve not definitively been able to pin down the history of this Thomas Pasley, though he may be a relative of Admiral Sir Thomas Pasley, who did not have sons himself but did have nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren; Snakes were often used in Victorian symbolism to represent eternity, eternal love, rebirth and the cycle of life.) This piece is of lovely quality and beautifully made. The black enamel of the snake was done skillfully so the underlying high karat gold becomes part of the snakeskin design. His little eyes are red enamel set above his open mouth with slight smile. The enamel remains in fine condition, with only a very little wear at one spot along the top edge. Likewise, the glazed hair locket is also in wonderful original condition, with braided silvery or blonde hair and the original beveled glass still securely in place. The reverse of the locket is beautifully engraved: “Thomas Pasley Died 26 January 1852” The snake and hair locket measure approximately 18.5 x just over 10 mm (a little over 3/4 of an inch x a little over 3/8 of an inch) and the gold pin stem is approximately 2 and 3/16 inches long. I’ve not tested the dark silvery metal back or bezel of the locket, for fear of damage. It shows some expected patina and discoloration and was perhaps originally gilded or blackened. A small loop is present on the pinstem for a security chain and pin, which is no longer present. As noted, above, the pin stem is lower karat gold and is not made as finely as the snake with locket. Often mourning pieces would be made for different uses - for rings, pendants, brooches, etc., so I think that is likely why the old pin stem does not match the higher karat snake. It’s also possible it’s a replacement pin stem. The finished weight of this special piece is a nice 3.45 grams on my scale.

Metal:

Gold,Silver,Enamel

Weight:

3.45 g

Dimensions:

Height: 2.75 in (69.85 mm)Width: 0.38 in (9.66 mm)

Style:

Georgian

Place of Origin:

United Kingdom

Period:

Mid-19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

circa 1852

Condition:

Replacements made: The pin stem mat be an old replacement, or it may have been added at the time the piece was purchased, if it was around 1854 when 9K gold became available. (often these snakes were made for multiple purposes, as described in my listing). Wear consistent with age and use. Only slight wear to enamel, one small spot of loss along the top left of the snake.

Seller Location:

Danvers, MA

Reference Number:

1stDibs: LU3614219693442

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