Victorian Substantial Hand-Carved Carnelian Seal Pointer Dog Fob Pendant

A fob is an adornment or a seal that hangs from the ribbon or chain of a pocket watch. Its purpose is to decorate or add weight to the watch chain itself making it easier for the watch to be withdrawn from a pocket. The base of the fob would often have been used to seal the wax of a letter or note. The opposite of a cameo, an intaglio is created by carving below the surface to produce and image in relief with the purpose of pressing into sealing wax, often used in signet rings.

A fantastic figural fob from the Victorian era (ca1880) with a charming hunting dog motif! Made of vibrant 14kt yellow gold, the fob is particularly large in scale, and has a wonderful 3-dimensional design. The dog appears to be trotting in motion, with an outstretched snout and a long, pointed tail. The lovely craftsmanship includes delicate facial features, floppy ears, and textured detail to represent fur. Additionally, each eye is represented by a small garnet stone. The hunting dog is featured prominently atop a yellow gold platform and at the base of the fob is a large, smoothly polished carnelian seal. Carved into the surface of the seal is a set of initials which are framed in a wheat-like border. The fob hangs from a large gold ring which is attached to the dog's back, perfect for hanging from a chain or charm bracelet. Figural fobs are very collectible, and this one is particularly wonderful due to its exceptionally large size. The bail is stamped "14". It would make a perfect piece for any dog lover or antique fob collector!

The fob hangs a little less than 2" long, including the bail at the top. The fob stands 1 1/4" tall, measures 1 7/8" wide, and 1" deep.